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 ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Weight loss
Weight loss during pregnancy, especially in the second trimester, is unexpected unless there is a medical condition such as hyperemesis gravidarum or other nutritional deficiencies. While mild weight fluctuations can occur, a consistent loss of weight rather than gradual gain suggests inadequate caloric intake due to persistent vomiting and dehydration.
Choice B rationale: Breast tenderness
Breast tenderness is a common and expected physiological change during pregnancy due to hormonal fluctuations, particularly increased estrogen and progesterone levels. It is not considered abnormal or unexpected at this stage of pregnancy.
Choice C rationale: Heart rate
A heart rate of 116/min is unexpected, as it is above the normal range for adults (typically 60–100/min). Pregnancy can cause a mild increase in heart rate, but tachycardia above 110/min may indicate dehydration, anemia, or electrolyte imbalance, all of which can stem from excessive vomiting and fluid loss.
Choice D rationale: Vomiting
While occasional nausea and vomiting (morning sickness) can be expected in early pregnancy, persistent vomiting up to eight times daily and symptoms of dehydration (dry mucosa, poor skin turgor, positive ketones in urine) raise concern for hyperemesis gravidarum, a more severe form of pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting.
Choice E rationale: Nasal congestion
Nasal congestion is common during pregnancy due to increased blood volume and vascular changes affecting the nasal mucosa. It is not unexpected and does not indicate a complication.
Choice F rationale: Respiratory rate
A respiratory rate of 20/min falls within the normal range for adults (typically 12–20/min), making it an expected finding.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Rapid plasma regain is not a standard laboratory test associated with hyperemesis gravidarum. Hyperemesis gravidarum is characterized by severe nausea and vomiting leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Choice B rationale
A urine culture is used to detect urinary tract infections, which are not a primary concern in hyperemesis gravidarum unless specifically indicated by symptoms of a UTI.
Choice C rationale
Prothrombin time (PT) and other coagulation studies assess blood clotting. While severe dehydration and malnutrition from hyperemesis gravidarum could theoretically affect coagulation, it is not a routine initial test to anticipate.
Choice D rationale
Urine ketones are a key laboratory finding in hyperemesis gravidarum. Due to persistent vomiting and inadequate oral intake, the body starts to break down fat for energy, leading to ketonuria. The presence of ketones in the urine indicates starvation and the need for intravenous fluids and nutritional support.
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