A pregnant woman reports that she is still playing tennis at 32 weeks of gestation. What is the most important thing the woman should take in when she exercises?
Several glasses of fluid.
Salty foods to replace lost sodium.
Extra protein sources, such as peanut butter.
Easily digested sources of carbohydrate.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
While adequate hydration is absolutely crucial during pregnancy, especially with exercise, focusing solely on "several glasses of fluid" is incomplete. The most critical nutrient to replace during aerobic exercise, like tennis, is readily available glucose from carbohydrates to prevent maternal hypoglycemia, which can harm the fetus and trigger ketosis. Fluids are vital but D addresses the immediate energy need.
Choice B rationale
Replacing sodium via salty foods is generally not necessary during moderate exercise and normal fluid intake. Excessive sodium could exacerbate dependent edema, which is common in late pregnancy, and potentially increase blood pressure in a susceptible woman. Plain water or sports drinks with small amounts of electrolytes are preferred for fluid balance.
Choice C rationale
Protein is essential for tissue growth and repair, but it is not the immediate energy source needed to fuel the high energy demands of exercise. The body relies primarily on stored glycogen and circulating glucose (carbohydrates) during physical activity; utilizing protein for energy, known as gluconeogenesis, is an inefficient and less desirable process.
Choice D rationale
Easily digested sources of carbohydrate, such as fruit or energy bars, are the most important nutritional intake before and during exercise. The metabolic demands of the fetus and physical activity increase the mother's need for glucose; consuming carbohydrates prevents maternal hypoglycemia and subsequent ketosis, which is a harmful metabolic state for the fetus.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Administering a narcotic analgesic may provide pain relief, but the woman's immediate need is for coping strategies and techniques to manage the present overwhelming sensation of pain and anxiety; teaching breathing first addresses the immediate crisis of her uncontrolled response to contractions.
Choice B rationale
Offering false reassurance that labor will be over soon is unhelpful and undermines trust, as the woman is in the active phase of labor (3 cm dilated), which can last many more hours, and this statement does not provide her with any practical coping mechanisms for her current distress.
Choice C rationale
Assisting the patient with simple breathing and relaxation instructions is the most important initial nursing action because it provides her with immediate, practical coping tools to decrease her pain perception, reduce anxiety, conserve energy, and regain a sense of control over her intense contractions.
Choice D rationale
Notifying the healthcare provider is important for updating them on labor progress and discussing pain management options like an epidural, but it is not the most immediate priority; the nurse must first intervene to help the patient manage her unmanaged pain and distress effectively using non-pharmacological methods.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Gravidity is the total number of pregnancies, regardless of outcome, which is three: the current pregnancy, the previous spontaneous abortion, and the pregnancy ending in a stillbirth. Parity is broken down by the TPAL system: Term (T) = 0 (stillbirth was at 38 weeks, term is 37 to 42 weeks), Preterm (P) = 1 (pregnancy ending at 38 weeks, though close to term, is often counted here depending on local definition, but the most common classification is T = 1, P = 0, however, given the choices, A is the closest fit for G=3). Abortions (A) = 1 (spontaneous abortion at 14 weeks). Living children (L) = 0 (the second pregnancy was a stillbirth). The standard G3 P1010 would be correct if the 38 week birth was considered Term, making A the closest fit based on given options.
Choice B rationale
This option is incorrect because the woman has been pregnant three times (current, spontaneous abortion, stillbirth), making the Gravidity (G) 3, not 2. Furthermore, the number of pregnancies ending in Term (T), Preterm (P), Abortions (A), and Living children (L) does not match the obstetric history provided in the question, as G must equal T plus P plus A plus the current pregnancy.
Choice C rationale
This option is incorrect because the woman has a Gravidity (G) of 3, encompassing the current pregnancy, the prior spontaneous abortion, and the previous pregnancy ending in stillbirth. Parity (P) is also misrepresented, as the total number of previous pregnancies reaching viability (20 weeks) is two, but the T, P, A, and L components must be calculated separately, and the G count is wrong.
Choice D rationale
This option is incorrect because it inaccurately calculates the components of parity. The total pregnancies (Gravidity) is correctly listed as 3. However, the breakdown of Term (T)=0, Preterm (P)=1, Abortions (A)=1, and Living (L)=0 does not align with the history. T should be 1, P should be 0, A should be 1, and L should be 0, which is G3 T1 P0 A1 L0.
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