A nurse should include which of the following information?

Choice A rationale:

Refrigerating the specimen after collection is not recommended for semen analysis. Cold temperatures can damage sperm motility and viability, leading to inaccurate results. The specimen should be kept at room temperature and transported to the laboratory within 1 hour of collection. This ensures that the sperm are analyzed under conditions that closely resemble their natural environment within the body, providing the most accurate assessment of their health and function.

Choice C rationale:

Allowing the specimen to remain at room temperature for 3 to 4 hours prior to transport is also not advised. While sperm can survive for a limited time outside the body, prolonged exposure to room temperature can also negatively impact their motility and viability. This can compromise the accuracy of the semen analysis results.

Choice D rationale:

Collecting the specimen using a condom with spermicide is strictly prohibited for semen analysis. Spermicides are designed to kill sperm, and their presence in the sample would render the analysis entirely invalid. It's crucial to collect the specimen directly into a sterile container provided by the laboratory to ensure no contaminants interfere with the analysis.

Choice B rationale:

Abstaining from ejaculation for 2 to 3 days prior to the semen analysis is essential for obtaining accurate results. This timeframe allows for optimal sperm concentration and quality within the ejaculate. Frequent ejaculation can deplete sperm reserves, potentially leading to lower sperm counts and reduced motility in the sample. By adhering to the recommended abstinence period, the chances of obtaining a representative and accurate assessment of the patient's semen quality are significantly increased.

Choice A rationale:
Fetal movement counts are a simple yet effective tool to monitor fetal well-being in women with preeclampsia. They provide valuable insights into the baby's activity level and can alert the healthcare team to potential concerns early on.
Preeclampsia can compromise placental blood flow, which can lead to decreased fetal movement. By tracking fetal movements daily, the mother can detect any significant changes or reductions in activity, prompting further assessment and intervention if necessary.
Research has shown that regular fetal movement counts can reduce the risk of stillbirth in women with preeclampsia. This is because prompt recognition of decreased fetal movements allows for timely interventions, such as closer monitoring, induction of labor, or delivery, to prevent adverse outcomes.
Daily fetal movement counts empower women to take an active role in their pregnancy care and contribute to a sense of control in a condition that can often feel unpredictable. This increased involvement can promote maternal-fetal bonding and reduce anxiety.
Choice B rationale:
While fluid restriction has been a traditional recommendation for preeclampsia, current evidence does not support limiting fluid intake to 1,000 ml/day. In fact, excessive fluid restriction can lead to dehydration, which can worsen placental perfusion and compromise fetal well-being.
It's essential for women with preeclampsia to maintain adequate hydration to support essential bodily functions and fetal growth. Adequate fluid intake also helps to prevent urinary tract infections, which are more common in women with preeclampsia.
Choice C rationale:
Although reducing sodium intake can be beneficial for overall blood pressure control, there's insufficient evidence to support a strict sodium restriction of 2,000 mg/day specifically for managing mild preeclampsia. Individual needs may vary, and a more moderate approach to sodium reduction is often recommended.
Focusing on a balanced, healthy diet with appropriate sodium intake is generally more effective than strict limitations. This approach promotes overall well-being and supports healthy blood pressure levels without compromising nutritional needs. Choice D rationale:
Rest is often recommended for women with preeclampsia to reduce stress on the cardiovascular system and promote placental blood flow. However, the supine position (lying on the back) is not ideal, as it can further compress the large blood vessels in the abdomen and potentially reduce blood flow to the placenta.
Side-lying positions, particularly the left lateral position, are preferred for women with preeclampsia. These positions help to alleviate pressure on the major blood vessels, enhance blood flow, and improve uteroplacental circulation, which benefits both the mother and the baby.