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).
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
After a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, steri-strips or adhesive strips are commonly placed over the small incisions. The client should keep the steri-strips in place until they fall off on their own or until they are removed by the healthcare provider during a follow-up visit. Removing the steri-strips prematurely can increase the risk of infection or disrupt the healing process.
"I should eat a high-fat diet for several weeks": After a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, it is important for the client to follow a low-fat diet initially to allow the body time to adjust to the absence of the gallbladder. High-fat foods can be more difficult to digest and may cause digestive discomfort. Gradually introducing small amounts of fat back into the diet is recommended, but a high-fat diet is not appropriate.
"I should expect to have diarrhea until my diet changes": While changes in bowel movements can occur after a cholecystectomy, such as looser stools or changes in frequency, persistent diarrhea is not expected or normal. If the client experiences persistent diarrhea, they should contact their healthcare provider for further evaluation.
"I should expect to have nausea for several days": While some clients may experience mild nausea or discomfort after the surgery, it should generally improve within a few days. If the client experiences persistent or severe nausea, they should contact their healthcare provider.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Valid and reliable health information sources should provide references or citations to support the information they present. This demonstrates that the information is based on evidence and has been reviewed by experts in the field. It allows readers to verify the accuracy and reliability of the information by referring to the cited sources.
The author's name listed without credentials does not provide information about the author's expertise or qualifications. It is important to assess the author's credentials and expertise to determine their credibility.
The website URL being listed as .com does not provide information about the accuracy or reliability of the content. Different types of websites, such as .org or .gov, can also contain credible health information.
The website being last updated 3 years ago raises concerns about the currency and relevance of the information. Health information can quickly evolve, and it is important to access up-to-date resources.
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