A nurse is collecting data from a client during a routine prenatal visit. The client is in their second trimester of pregnancy and reports feeling dizzy, has a racing heart, and becomes pale while lying on their back.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Provide the client with a glass of orange juice.
Instruct the client to take a brisk walk.
Position the client on their left side.
Check the client's temperature.
The Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C. Position the client on their left side
The symptoms of feeling dizzy, racing heart, and becoming pale while lying on their back are consistent with supine hypotensive syndrome or vena cava syndrome. This condition occurs when the pregnant uterus compresses the vena cava, reducing blood flow back to the heart and causing a drop-in blood pressure.
Positioning the client on their left side helps alleviate the pressure on the vena cava, allowing for improved blood flow and preventing further symptoms. This position optimizes blood circulation and reduces the risk of complications. The nurse should assist the client in turning onto their left side and ensure they are comfortable.
Providing the client with a glass of orange juice (option A) is not recommended as it may be helpful in cases of low blood sugar or hypoglycemia, but it is not the most appropriate action in this scenario.
Instructing the client to take a brisk walk (option B) is not recommended since physical exertion can further worsen the symptoms and increase the risk of complications.
Checking the client's temperature (option D) is not necessary as the reported symptoms are not indicative of a fever or infection.
Therefore, the most appropriate action for the nurse to take in this situation is to position the client on their left side (option C).
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This response acknowledges the son's exhaustion and offers a constructive solution by suggesting respite care. Respite care provides temporary relief to caregivers by arranging for someone else to take over caregiving responsibilities for a specific period of time.
It allows caregivers to have a break and take care of their own physical and emotional well-being. By providing information about respite care, the nurse is offering support and resources to help alleviate the son's fatigue while ensuring that the mother's care needs are still met.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Informed consent is a legal and ethical requirement for certain medical procedures. It involves providing the client with clear and comprehensive information about the procedure, including its risks, benefits, alternatives, and expected outcomes. The client must understand the information provided and voluntarily give their consent before the procedure can be performed.
Placement of a central venous catheter is an invasive procedure that carries risks and potential complications, making it necessary to obtain informed consent from the client.

Wound irrigation with an antibiotic solution is a standard nursing intervention for wound care and does not usually involve invasive procedures. Informed consent is not typically required for this procedure.
The administration of an iron injection using the Z-track technique is a standard nursing procedure. While it involves an injection, it is not typically considered an invasive procedure that would require informed consent.
Insertion of a nasogastric tube is a common procedure that involves passing a tube through the nose and into the stomach for various purposes, such as feeding, decompression, or medication administration. While it is an invasive procedure, it is often performed in emergency or critical care situations where the client's immediate well-being takes precedence. Informed consent may not be feasible or necessary in these situations, depending on the context and urgency.
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