After the delivery of the placenta, a nurse in labor and delivery examines the umbilical cord.
Which of the following vessels should the nurse expect to observe in the umbilical cord?

Choice A rationale

Facial edema, or swelling in the face, can be a sign of a serious complication during pregnancy, such as preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a condition characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, often the liver and kidneys.

Choice B rationale

Leukorrhea, or a thick, milky discharge from the vagina, is a common and normal symptom of pregnancy. It is not typically a sign of a complication.

Choice C rationale

Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms during the first trimester of pregnancy. However, severe or persistent nausea and vomiting can indicate a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum, which requires medical attention.

Choice D rationale

Urinary frequency is a common symptom during pregnancy and is not typically a sign of a complication.

Choice A rationale

Asking the partner to talk about his difficulties in caring for the client is the nurse’s priority. This intervention allows the nurse to assess the partner’s emotional state and provide appropriate support and resources.

Choice B rationale

Recommending that the partner place the client in a long-term care facility may not be the best initial intervention. The decision to place a loved one in a long-term care facility is complex and involves many factors. The nurse should first assess the partner’s needs and concerns before making such a recommendation.

Choice C rationale

Telling the partner to call a family meeting to get help may be a helpful suggestion, but it is not the nurse’s priority. The nurse should first assess the partner’s emotional state and needs before suggesting specific interventions.

Choice D rationale

Suggesting that the partner see a counselor to help him cope with his exhaustion may be a helpful intervention, but it is not the nurse’s priority. The nurse should first assess the partner’s emotional state and needs before suggesting specific interventions.