A pregnant woman's biophysical profile score is 8. She asks the nurse to explain the results. The nurse's best response is:

Choice A reason: This is not a good intervention, as it may worsen the symptoms of faintness, dizziness, and agitation. Standing up can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension), which can reduce the blood flow to the brain and the fetus. This can cause lightheadedness, blurred vision, and loss of consciousness in the woman, as well as fetal distress or hypoxia.

Choice B reason: This is not a good intervention, as it may also worsen the symptoms of faintness, dizziness, and agitation. Lying supine can cause compression of the inferior vena cava (a large vein that returns blood to the heart) by the gravid uterus, which can reduce the cardiac output (the amount of blood pumped by the heart) and the blood pressure. This can cause nausea, sweating, and visual disturbances in the woman, as well as fetal distress or hypoxia.

Choice C reason: This is not a good intervention, as it may not improve the symptoms of faintness, dizziness, and agitation. Sitting down and holding the arm in a dependent position can lower the blood pressure in the arm, but not in the rest of the body. This can cause inaccurate readings of the blood pressure and delay the detection of hypotension or hypertension. This can also cause discomfort and pain in the arm due to impaired circulation.

Choice D reason: This is the best intervention, as it can relieve the symptoms of faintness, dizziness, and agitation by improving the blood flow to the brain and the fetus. Turning to the left side can reduce the pressure of the uterus on the inferior vena cava and increase the cardiac output and the blood pressure. This can also optimize the placental perfusion (the blood flow to the placenta) and the fetal oxygenation.

Choice A reason: Limiting fluid intake throughout the day is not recommended, as dehydration can worsen nausea and vomiting. Instead, pregnant women should sip fluids gradually throughout the day to maintain hydration. Proper hydration supports digestion and helps prevent complications like electrolyte imbalances. Clinical guidelines emphasize the importance of maintaining adequate fluid intake during pregnancy

Choice B reason: Drinking a glass of water with a fat-free carbohydrate before getting out of bed in the morning is a good strategy to prevent nausea and vomiting, as it can stabilize the blood sugar level and prevent an empty stomach. However, it is not the best answer, as it does not address the dietary needs throughout the day.

Choice C reason: Increasing the intake of high-fat foods is not recommended, as it can worsen nausea and vomiting. High-fat foods are harder to digest and can cause gastric irritation and reflux. The pregnant woman should choose low-fat, bland, and easy-to-digest foods.

Choice D reason: Eating small, frequent meals every 2 to 3 hours is the best approach to managing nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. This strategy helps stabilize blood sugar levels and prevents the stomach from becoming too empty or too full, both of which can trigger nausea. Clinical guidelines widely support this dietary adjustment as a primary intervention for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy