A nurse is collecting data from a client who is at 16 weeks of gestation and tells the nurse that she felt light fluttering in her stomach the prior day.
The nurse should use which of the following terms to document this finding?
Quickening.
Lightening.
Braxton Hicks contractions.
Chloasma.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Quickening is the term used to describe the first noticeable fetal movements felt by the pregnant person. It is often described as a fluttering or bubbling sensation in the lower abdomen.
Quickening typically occurs between 16 and 22 weeks of gestation, with an average of 18 weeks. It is a normal and reassuring sign that the pregnancy is progressing well.
The sensation of quickening is caused by the fetus moving its arms and legs, as well as by its body turning and rotating within the amniotic fluid.
It is important to note that not all pregnant women experience quickening at the same time, and some women may not feel it at all.
However, in this case, the client is at 16 weeks of gestation, which is within the typical timeframe for quickening to occur. Moreover, the client's description of "light fluttering in her stomach" is consistent with the sensation of quickening.
Choice B rationale:
Lightening is the term used to describe the descent of the fetus into the pelvis in preparation for labor.
It typically occurs in the last few weeks of pregnancy, and is often accompanied by a feeling of increased pressure in the pelvis and bladder.
The client in this question is only at 16 weeks of gestation, so it is too early for lightening to have occurred.
Choice C rationale:
Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular, painless contractions of the uterus that can occur throughout pregnancy.
They are often described as a tightening or hardening of the uterus, and they may come and go over a period of several hours. Braxton Hicks contractions are not a sign of labor, but they can sometimes be mistaken for it.
The client in this question did not describe any contractions, so Braxton Hicks contractions are not a likely explanation for her symptoms.
Choice D rationale:
Chloasma is a skin condition that is characterized by brown patches on the face.
It is also known as the "mask of pregnancy" because it is more common in pregnant women. Chloasma is caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy, and it typically fades after delivery.
The client in this question did not describe any skin changes, so chloasma is not a likely explanation for her symptoms
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice b. Placenta previa.
Choice A rationale:
Threatened abortion typically occurs in the first trimester and involves vaginal bleeding with or without abdominal pain. It is not associated with late pregnancy bleeding.
Choice B rationale:
Placenta previa is characterized by painless, bright red vaginal bleeding in the third trimester. It occurs when the placenta covers the cervix, leading to bleeding as the cervix begins to dilate.
Choice C rationale:
Preterm labor involves uterine contractions leading to cervical changes before 37 weeks of gestation. While it can cause bleeding, it is usually accompanied by regular contractions and not typically described as bright red bleeding.
Choice D rationale:
Abruptio placentae involves the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, leading to painful, dark red vaginal bleeding. It is often associated with abdominal pain and uterine tenderness, which differentiates it from placenta previa.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
It’s normal to have a white vaginal discharge during pregnancy. This is due to increased estrogen levels, which stimulate the production of cervical mucus. The mucus is typically white or clear, and has a mild odor. It helps to maintain a healthy vaginal environment and protect against infection.
Increased vaginal discharge is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy, and it typically continues throughout the pregnancy. While it may be bothersome at times, it is not a cause for concern unless it has a strong odor, is yellow or green in color, or is accompanied by itching or burning.
It is important for pregnant women to keep the vaginal area clean and dry to prevent infection. This can be done by wearing cotton underwear, avoiding tight-fitting clothing, and showering or bathing regularly.
Choice B rationale:
Most women do not recognize fetal movement until 16 to 22 weeks of pregnancy. This is because the fetus is still very small and its movements are not strong enough to be felt.
Some women may feel fluttering or "butterflies" in their abdomen as early as 12 weeks, but this is not always a reliable indication of fetal movement. It is more likely to be caused by gas or intestinal activity.
Choice C rationale:
The nipples and areola typically become darker, not paler, during pregnancy. This is due to increased levels of melanin, a pigment that is also responsible for skin color.
The darkening of the nipples and areola may be more pronounced in women with darker skin.
Choice D rationale:
The fundus is the top of the uterus. It does not cause swelling in the ankles.
Swelling in the ankles is a common symptom of pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. It is caused by a combination of factors, including increased blood volume, fluid retention, and pressure from the growing uterus on the veins in the legs.
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