A woman is using the basal body temperature (BBT) method of contraception. She calls the clinic and tells the nurse. "My period is due in a few days, and my temperature has not gone up." The nurse's most appropriate response is
"This probably means that you're pregnant."
"You probably didn't ovulate during this cycle."
"Have you been sick this month?"
"Don't worry: it's probably nothing."
The Correct Answer is B
A. "This probably means that you're pregnant.": A rise in basal body temperature occurs after ovulation due to progesterone release, not pregnancy itself. If temperature has not increased, ovulation likely did not occur, making pregnancy improbable in this cycle.
B. "You probably didn't ovulate during this cycle.": The BBT method tracks ovulation by detecting a 0.3–0.6°C (0.5–1.0°F) temperature rise after ovulation. If no rise is noted before menstruation, it suggests an anovulatory cycle in which ovulation did not take place.
C. "Have you been sick this month?": Illness can temporarily affect BBT readings, but the absence of any rise throughout the cycle more strongly indicates lack of ovulation. Asking about illness may be useful but does not directly explain a consistently low temperature pattern.
D. "Don't worry: it's probably nothing.": Dismissing the concern is inappropriate and nontherapeutic. The nurse should provide education on possible anovulatory cycles and encourage continued charting or further evaluation if irregular patterns persist.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. 12 weeks: At 12 weeks gestation, the uterus has just risen out of the pelvis and can usually be palpated just above the symphysis pubis. It is not yet large enough to reach the level of the umbilicus at this point.
B. 36 weeks: By 36 weeks, the uterus typically reaches the xiphoid process as it expands to accommodate fetal growth. At this stage, the fundal height is well above the umbilicus, often causing maternal discomfort due to pressure on the diaphragm.
C. 20 weeks: Around 20 weeks gestation, the fundus of the uterus is usually palpable at the level of the maternal umbilicus. This finding is a standard clinical marker used to estimate gestational age and monitor fetal growth during routine prenatal exams.
D. 8 weeks: At 8 weeks gestation, the uterus remains a pelvic organ and is not palpable abdominally. It can only be assessed via bimanual examination or transvaginal ultrasound during early pregnancy.
Correct Answer is ["Oxytocin"]
Explanation
Oxytocin is a uterotonic hormone commonly administered intravenously to stimulate uterine contractions and enhance labor progress. It increases the frequency, duration, and intensity of contractions, helping to correct hypotonic or weak labor patterns. Careful titration and continuous fetal and maternal monitoring are essential to prevent hyperstimulation, fetal distress, or uterine rupture.
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