A nurse is educating a group of pregnant women about neural tube defects.
Which of the following conditions should the nurse mention as an example of a neural tube defect?

Choice A rationale

Explaining the procedure for an upper gastrointestinal series is important for a client diagnosed with gastrointestinal bleeding. However, it is not the first action a nurse should take. The nurse’s initial focus should be on assessing the client’s condition and stabilizing vital signs.

Choice B rationale

Administering pain medication is important for a client’s comfort, but it is not the first action a nurse should take. The nurse’s initial focus should be on assessing the client’s condition and stabilizing vital signs.

Choice C rationale

Assessing orthostatic blood pressure is the first action a nurse should take when caring for a client diagnosed with gastrointestinal bleeding. Orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure when standing up from a sitting or lying position) can be a sign of significant blood loss. This assessment helps determine the severity of the bleeding and guides further interventions.

Choice D rationale

Testing the client’s emesis for blood is an important part of diagnosing and managing gastrointestinal bleeding. However, it is not the first action a nurse should take. The nurse’s initial focus should be on assessing the client’s condition and stabilizing vital signs.

Choice A rationale

Sleeping on the left side does not directly help manage GERD. While it might help with digestion due to the positioning of the stomach, it is not a primary recommendation for GERD management.

Choice B rationale

Drinking milk is not a recommended way to soothe the stomach for a GERD patient. While milk might provide temporary relief from acid reflux, it could potentially stimulate the stomach to produce more acid, which can exacerbate GERD symptoms.

Choice C rationale

Waiting to go to bed for 1 hour after eating can help manage GERD. However, it is generally recommended to wait 2-3 hours after eating before lying down. This allows time for the stomach to empty and reduces the chance of stomach acid backing up into the esophagus.

Choice D rationale

Eating four to six small meals each day is a recommended way to manage GERD. Smaller meals are easier on the stomach, as they require less acid for digestion. This can help reduce the symptoms of GERD12.