During a prenatal visit, a client at 30 weeks gestation reports persistent heartburn during the past two weeks.
The nurse notes the client has 3+ bilateral, pitting, pedal edema.
Which action should the nurse implement?

Explain that heartburn is a common discomfort.

Ask if blurred vision and headache have occurred.

Check urine for presence of glucose and ketones.

Instruct the client to take an antacid as needed.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale

While heartburn is common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and pressure from the growing uterus, the presence of 3+ bilateral pitting pedal edema raises concerns. This symptom could indicate a more serious condition, such as preeclampsia, and should not be dismissed as a normal discomfort.

Choice B rationale

Asking if blurred vision and headache have occurred is essential because these symptoms, along with significant edema, are indicators of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and damage to other organ systems, often requiring immediate medical attention.

Choice C rationale

Checking urine for glucose and ketones is relevant for assessing gestational diabetes but does not address the immediate concern of preeclampsia. The symptoms of edema and possible preeclampsia should be prioritized over concerns of gestational diabetes.

Choice D rationale

Instructing the client to take an antacid for heartburn does not address the critical issue of significant edema. While heartburn relief is important, the symptoms of edema need immediate evaluation to rule out preeclampsia or other complications.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Monitoring hourly blood pressure is essential, but it is not the most crucial data in this scenario. Blood pressure monitoring can help identify maternal hypotension or hypertension, which can affect uteroplacental blood flow. However, hypotonic dystocia requires monitoring contractions to assess labor progression and effectiveness of oxytocin.

Choice B rationale

Preparing for an emergency cesarean birth is a potential intervention if labor does not progress or if fetal distress occurs. However, it is not the primary data to monitor initially. The decision for a cesarean is based on a comprehensive assessment, including fetal heart rate patterns and contraction quality.

Choice C rationale

Checking the perineum for bulging may indicate imminent delivery or fetal descent. However, in the context of hypotonic dystocia, the primary concern is evaluating contraction patterns to ensure the effectiveness of oxytocin in augmenting labor.

Choice D rationale

Monitoring the intensity, interval, and length of contractions is the most critical data in this case. Hypotonic dystocia involves weak, infrequent, or irregular contractions. Oxytocin is administered to strengthen and regularize contractions, so assessing their characteristics is crucial to determine the response to treatment and guide further interventions.

A. Bathe the newborn in warm water and swaddle in 2 blankets. B. Place the newborn on the radiant warmer. C. Maintain a room temperature above 70° F (21.1° C). D. Dry off the newborn and place skin-to-skin.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Bathing the newborn in warm water and swaddling in 2 blankets is not the best immediate action to prevent cold stress. While keeping the newborn warm is crucial, bathing immediately after birth can lead to rapid heat loss, and swaddling alone may not provide sufficient warmth.

Choice B rationale

Placing the newborn on a radiant warmer is an effective method to prevent cold stress, but it is not as beneficial as skin-to-skin contact, which provides both warmth and bonding. Radiant warmers are used primarily in situations where the infant requires stabilization or when skin-to-skin is not feasible.

Choice C rationale

Maintaining a room temperature above 70° F (21.1° C) helps to create a warmer environment, but it does not address the immediate need to prevent heat loss in the newborn. Room temperature alone may not be adequate to prevent cold stress, especially in preterm or low birth weight infants.

Choice D rationale

Drying off the newborn and placing them skin-to-skin with the mother is highly effective in preventing cold stress. This technique promotes thermal regulation through direct skin contact, which transfers body heat from the mother to the infant, stabilizes body temperature, and supports bonding and breastfeeding.

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During a prenatal visit, a client at 30 weeks gestation reports persistent heartburn during the past two weeks.The nurse notes the client has 3+ bilateral, pitting, pedal edema.Which action should the nurse implement?

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a term infant immediately following delivery.Which action should the nurse implement to reduce the risk of cold stress?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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During a prenatal visit, a client at 30 weeks gestation reports persistent heartburn during the past two weeks.
The nurse notes the client has 3+ bilateral, pitting, pedal edema.
Which action should the nurse implement?