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 C
Explanation
A.This is incorrect because suction should not be applied during the insertion of the catheter. Suctioning should only be applied while withdrawing the catheter to avoid causing trauma to the mucosa.
B. Suctioning should generally be performed for no longer than 10 seconds at a time to minimize the risk of complications such as hypoxia.
C.This response is correct because waiting approximately 1 minute between suctioning attempts allows the client time to recover and reoxygenate. This interval helps prevent hypoxia and mucosal damage, which are important considerations during the suctioning process.
D.In adults insert catheter approximately 16 cm (6.5 inches); in older children, 8– 12 cm (3–5 inches); in infants and young children, 4–7.5 cm (1.5–3 inches). Rule of thumb is to insert catheter distance from tip of nose (or mouth) to angle of mandible.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Explanation
A. Chadwick’s sign
Chadwick's sign is a characteristic change that occurs during pregnancy, specifically in the cervix, vagina, and vulva. It is characterized by a bluish or purplish discoloration of these areas.
Chloasma in (option B) is incorrect because it is a condition characterized by the development of dark patches on the skin, commonly referred to as "mask of pregnancy." Chloasma typically affects the face, particularly the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip. It is not associated with a change in colour in the vaginal or vulvar area.
Hegar's sign in (option C) is incorrect because it is a softening of the lower uterine segment that can be felt during a pelvic examination. It is not related to the colour changes in the vaginal or vulvar area.
Ballottement in (option D) is incorrect because it is a palpation technique used during a prenatal examination to assess the position of the foetus. It involves the examiner gently pushing against the uterus and feeling a rebound or "floating" movement of the foetus. It does not involve changes in the colour of the vaginal or vulvar area.
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