A nurse is discussing contraception with a group of 14-year-old clients.
After the presentation, a client asks the nurse which method would be best for her.
What should the nurse respond?

The correct answer is B. Evidence-based practice. Sharing the latest research on improving breastfeeding success for first-time mothers supports the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses competency of Evidence-based practice. This competency emphasizes the use of current evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients or delivery of health services.

Choice A rationale

While determining the viability of the fetus is an important aspect of prenatal care, it is not the primary purpose of an ultrasound in this scenario. The client’s report of feeling the baby moving suggests that the fetus is likely viable.

Choice B rationale

The primary purpose of the ultrasound in this scenario is to locate the placenta. Heavy, red vaginal bleeding at 38 weeks of gestation could indicate a complication such as placenta previa, where the placenta covers the cervix. An ultrasound can help confirm this diagnosis.

Choice C rationale

Measuring the biparietal diameter is a method used to estimate fetal weight and gestational age. However, in this scenario, the client is already known to be at 38 weeks of gestation, and the sudden onset of heavy, red vaginal bleeding is a more immediate concern.

Choice D rationale

Assessing fetal lung maturity is typically done when there is a risk of preterm delivery. In this scenario, the client is already at 38 weeks of gestation, which is considered full term. The immediate concern is the heavy, red vaginal bleeding.