A nurse is caring for a patient scheduled for a maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein test at 15 weeks of gestation.
Which explanations about this test should the nurse provide to the patient?

Choice A rationale

While it might seem helpful to offer to tell the parents for the client, it’s important to respect the client’s autonomy and confidentiality. The nurse should support the client in making their own decisions about disclosure.

Choice B rationale

It’s not necessarily true that the parents will have to be told why the client is being admitted. Confidentiality is a key aspect of healthcare, especially when it comes to sensitive issues like sexually transmitted infections.

Choice C rationale

This response is empathetic and non-judgmental. It acknowledges the client’s feelings and opens up a conversation without forcing any action. This allows the client to feel heard and supported, which is crucial in a healthcare setting.

Choice D rationale

While this response might be well-intentioned, it assumes that the parents will understand and doesn’t acknowledge the client’s fear or concern. It’s important for the nurse to validate the client’s feelings and provide support.

Choice A rationale

Urinary frequency is a common early symptom of pregnancy. It’s caused by an increase of the hormones progesterone and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The urges tend to reduce in the second trimester. Most women find they have to pee with even more frequency late in pregnancy, from about week 35 on. Near the end of the third trimester, when your baby is preparing for childbirth, the head “drops” down into the pelvis and presses squarely on your bladder — which means you’ll have that gotta-go urge more than ever.

Choice B rationale

While it’s true that urinary frequency can reduce after the first trimester, it’s not accurate to say that it only lasts until the 12th week for most cases. It’s also not entirely dependent on bladder tone. The frequency of urination during pregnancy is primarily due to hormonal changes and the growing uterus putting pressure on the bladder.

Choice C rationale

Although the duration of urinary frequency can vary among individuals, it’s not accurate to say that there’s no way to predict how long it will last in each individual client. Generally, urinary frequency is common during the first trimester and tends to reduce in the second trimester, only to increase again around week 352.

Choice D rationale

Labeling urinary frequency as a “minor inconvenience” that should be ignored is not an appropriate response. It’s important to validate the client’s experiences and provide accurate information. Urinary frequency is a normal part of pregnancy due to increased hormones and pressure on the bladder from the growing uterus.