A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client who had pre-term labor at 32 weeks of gestation and was prescribed bed rest at home.
Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
“I will drink at least eight glasses of water every day.”
“I will lie on my back with a pillow under my knees.”
“I will avoid sexual intercourse until I reach term.”
“I will call my doctor if I have more than four contractions in an hour.”
The Correct Answer is D
“I will call my doctor if I have more than four contractions in an hour.” This statement indicates that the client understands the signs of preterm labor and when to seek medical attention. Preterm labor is defined as having regular contractions and cervical changes before 37 weeks of gestation. More than four contractions in an hour may indicate that preterm labor is occurring and requires prompt evaluation.
Choice A is wrong because drinking at least eight glasses of water every day is not a specific instruction for preventing preterm labor. However, dehydration can trigger contractions and should be avoided.
Choice B is wrong because lying on the back with a pillow under the knees can reduce blood flow to the uterus and the baby. This position can also increase the risk of blood clots in the legs. A better position is lying on the left side, which improves circulation and reduces pressure on the cervix.
Choice C is wrong because avoiding sexual intercourse until reaching term is not necessary for most women with a history of preterm labor. Sexual activity does not cause preterm labor or premature rupture of membranes (PROM). However, some women may be advised to abstain from sex if they have certain conditions, such as placenta previa or a short cervix.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Assess fetal heart rate using a Doppler device.
This is because low back pain and pelvic pressure at 36 weeks of gestation may indicate preterm labor, which can affect the fetal well-being.Therefore, the nurse should assess the fetal heart rate as a priority to determine if the fetus is in distress or not.
Choice A is wrong because tocolytic medication is used to stop uterine contractions, not to relieve low back pain and pelvic pressure.Choice B is wrong because resting in a side-lying position may help with blood circulation and reduce supine hypotensive syndrome, but it does not address the possible cause of low back pain and pelvic pressure.Choice D is wrong because assessing vaginal discharge for any change may indicate infection, rupture of membranes, or cervical dilation, but it is not as urgent as assessing fetal heart rate.
Some interventions for preventing and treating low back pain and pelvic pressure during pregnancy include exercise, water-based exercise, acupuncture, osteomanipulative therapy, craniosacral therapy, and pelvic support belts.
However, these interventions should be discussed with the health care provider before starting them.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
True labor contractions cause cervical dilation and effacement.
This means that the cervix opens up and thins out to prepare for the baby’s passage through the birth canal.
Cervical changes can be measured by a pelvic exam.
Choice A is wrong because true labor contractions are regular and do not subside with rest.False labor contractions are irregular and may stop when you change position or activity level.
Choice B is wrong because false labor contractions are usually felt in the front of the abdomen, not in the lower back.True labor contractions may start in the back and radiate to the abdomen.
Choice D is wrong because false labor contractions do not increase in intensity with ambulation.True labor contractions may become stronger and closer together when you walk.
Normal ranges for cervical dilation and effacement vary depending on the stage of labor, but generally, full dilation is 10 cm and full effacement is 100%.
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