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 ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
Rationale for Choice A: Visual disturbances
Preeclampsia: Visual disturbances, such as blurred vision or seeing spots, can be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. It typically develops after 20 weeks of gestation and can progress rapidly.
Potential complications: If left untreated, preeclampsia can lead to seizures (eclampsia), stroke, liver and kidney failure, premature birth, and even death of the mother or baby.
Prompt reporting: Early recognition and management of preeclampsia are crucial for preventing adverse outcomes. Therefore, visual disturbances should be reported to the provider immediately to initiate further assessment and potential interventions.
Rationale for Choice B: Fetal heart rate
No indication for reporting: While monitoring fetal heart rate is essential during pregnancy, the promptness of reporting it to the provider depends on specific concerns. In this case, the fetal heart tones are documented as 1, suggesting a normal rate and rhythm. There's no immediate indication for reporting it as a concerning finding.
Rationale for Choice C: Blood pressure
Hypertension: High blood pressure is a key feature of preeclampsia. Although blood pressure readings are not provided in the scenario, the nurse should measure and report them to the provider, as hypertension is a critical finding that could necessitate further evaluation and treatment.
Rationale for Choice D: Deep tendon reflexes
Hyperreflexia: The client's deep tendon reflexes are 3+, which is considered hyperreflexia. Hyperreflexia can be a neurological sign of preeclampsia, indicating increased excitability of the nervous system. It's important to report this finding to the provider for further assessment and monitoring.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale for Choice A:
It is accurate that scheduling the NST when the baby is usually active is beneficial. This is because fetal movement is expected to cause accelerations in the fetal heart rate, which is a positive sign of fetal well-being.
By scheduling the test during a time of typical fetal activity, the chances of obtaining a reactive NST (a normal result) are increased.
Therefore, this statement does not indicate a need for further teaching.
Rationale for Choice B:
Lying on the back during the NST is not recommended.
This position can cause the weight of the uterus to compress the major blood vessels (the inferior vena cava and aorta), potentially reducing blood flow to the placenta and fetus.
Reduced blood flow can, in turn, lead to a decrease in fetal heart rate and movement.
To avoid this, the recommended position for NST is a semi-Fowler's position, which involves being partially reclined with the head and upper body elevated.
This position helps to promote uterine perfusion and prevent supine hypotension.
Rationale for Choice C:
It is accurate that the baby's heart rate will be monitored during the NST.
This is the primary purpose of the test: to assess the fetal heart rate response to fetal movement. Therefore, this statement does not indicate a need for further teaching.
Rationale for Choice D:
It is accurate that the client will be able to go to the bathroom during the NST if necessary. The test is noninvasive and does not require strict immobility.
The client can move around and use the bathroom as needed, as long as the fetal heart rate monitor is not disconnected.
Therefore, this statement does not indicate a need for further teaching.
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