At a prenatal visit at 36 weeks' gestation, a client complains of discomfort with irregularly occurring contractions (Braxton Hicks contractions). The nurse instructs the client to:
Walk around and increase fluid intake.
Time contractions for 30 minutes.
Take aspirin for the discomfort.
Go to the hospital.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Walking and increasing fluid intake can often alleviate the discomfort associated with Braxton Hicks contractions. Movement can sometimes cause the uterus to relax, and adequate hydration helps maintain uterine irritability within normal physiological limits. Dehydration can sometimes exacerbate uterine contractions, so ensuring sufficient fluid intake is a prudent measure.
Choice B rationale
Timing contractions is more relevant when assessing for true labor. Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular and do not follow a consistent pattern of increasing frequency, duration, and intensity. Instructing the client to time them for 30 minutes may cause unnecessary anxiety and is not the primary intervention for discomfort relief.
Choice C rationale
Aspirin is not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, due to potential risks to both the mother and the fetus, such as increased bleeding tendencies. Furthermore, aspirin would not address the physiological cause of Braxton Hicks contractions.
Choice D rationale
Going to the hospital is not indicated for irregular, non-painful Braxton Hicks contractions, especially at 36 weeks' gestation. Hospital visits are reserved for signs of true labor, such as regular, increasing contractions, rupture of membranes, or significant bleeding.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"A","dropdown-group-2":"A"}
Explanation
Upon reviewing the client’s medical record, the nurse determines that the client is at risk for developing choriocarcinoma and thyrotoxicosis.
Rationale for correct answers
Choriocarcinoma is a malignant form of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) that arises from a molar pregnancy, as evidenced by grape-like vesicles seen on ultrasound and excessively elevated beta-hCG (normal in pregnancy: up to 100,000 mIU/mL by late first trimester). This condition can lead to metastases if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
Thyrotoxicosis occurs due to excess beta-hCG, which stimulates thyroid hormone production. This is supported by the slightly elevated free T4 levels, a common feature of molar pregnancy-related hyperthyroidism.
Rationale for incorrect Response 1 options
- Preterm labor: The client is at 20 weeks with no contractions noted, and cervical changes are not reported.
- Placenta previa: Characterized by painless bright red bleeding later in pregnancy; this client has dark brown discharge consistent with molar pregnancy.
- Cardiac arrhythmia: No evidence of electrolyte abnormalities or arrhythmogenic conditions such as hyperkalemia.
Rationale for incorrect Response 2 options
- Preeclampsia: Normal blood pressure (≥140/90 mm Hg would be concerning); no proteinuria.
- Urinary tract infection: No leukocytes, nitrites, or dysuria reported.
- Hypoglycemia: Normal serum glucose levels; vomiting history does not indicate hypoglycemia.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
This notation indicates three pregnancies (G3), one term birth (T1), two preterm births (P2), one abortion (A1), and three living children (L3). While the number of living children is correct, the total number of pregnancies is underestimated by excluding the current pregnancy.
Choice B rationale
This notation accurately reflects four pregnancies (G4: the elective abortion, the daughter, the twins, and the current pregnancy), one term birth (T1: the daughter born at 40 weeks), two preterm births (P2: the twin boys born at 34 weeks), one abortion (A1: the elective abortion), and three living children (L3: the daughter and the twin boys).
Choice C rationale
This notation indicates three pregnancies (G3), one term birth (T1), one preterm birth (P1), one abortion (A1), and three living children (L3). The number of preterm births is incorrect, as there were two preterm births (the twins).
Choice D rationale
This notation indicates four pregnancies (G4), one term birth (T1), one preterm birth (P1), one abortion (A1), and three living children (L3). The number of preterm births is incorrect, as there were two preterm births (the twins).
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