A nurse is teaching a client who is at 20 weeks of gestation about how to manage heartburn. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

A. Measure the legs with a tape measure to determine stocking size: Antiembolic stockings should fit properly to provide therapeutic compression without causing discomfort or impairing circulation. Measuring the legs accurately with a tape measure ensures the stockings fit appropriately and exert the correct amount of pressure to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and promote venous return.
B. Remove the stockings every 24 hr: Antiembolic stockings are typically worn continuously, especially during periods of immobility, to maintain consistent compression and prevent blood clots. Removing the stockings every 24 hours would interrupt the therapeutic effect and increase the client's risk of developing DVT.
C. Massage the legs before applying the stockings: Massaging the legs before applying antiembolic stockings is contraindicated, as it can dislodge blood clots and increase the risk of embolism. Additionally, massaging may cause trauma to the skin and exacerbate any existing circulatory issues.
D. Fold the stockings at the top if they are too long: Folding the stockings at the top if they are too long can create pressure points and compromise circulation, leading to discomfort and potentially exacerbating vascular issues. It is essential to ensure the stockings fit properly by selecting the appropriate size rather than folding them.

A. The client's heart rate increases by 10/min: An increase in heart rate upon changing positions may occur as a compensatory mechanism to maintain blood pressure, but it is not indicative of orthostatic hypotension. Orthostatic hypotension is characterized by a decrease in blood pressure upon assuming an upright position.
B. The client's systolic blood pressure decreases by 25 mm Hg: Orthostatic hypotension is defined as a decrease in systolic blood pressure of 20 mm Hg or more, or a decrease in diastolic blood pressure of 10 mm Hg or more, within 3 minutes of standing up from a supine position. Therefore, a decrease in systolic blood pressure by 25 mm Hg upon changing positions is consistent with orthostatic hypotension.
C. The client's diastolic blood pressure increases by 10 mm Hg: Orthostatic hypotension typically involves a decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure upon assuming an upright position. An increase in diastolic blood pressure is not consistent with orthostatic hypotension.
D. The client reports heart palpitations: Heart palpitations may occur due to various reasons, such as anxiety or cardiac arrhythmias, but they are not specific to orthostatic hypotension. While orthostatic hypotension may cause symptoms like dizziness or lightheadedness, heart palpitations are not typically associated with this condition.