During a routine first trimester prenatal exam, a pregnant client tells the nurse that she has noticed an increase in vaginal discharge that is white, thin, and watery. Which action should the nurse implement?
Notify the healthcare provider of the complaint
Recommend an over-the-counter yeast medication
Inform her that this is a normal physiological change.
Prepare the client for a sterile speculum exam
The Correct Answer is C
A. Notify the healthcare provider of the complaint: While it's important for the healthcare provider to be aware of any changes or symptoms the client is experiencing, the described discharge is commonly associated with normal physiological changes in pregnancy.
B. Recommend an over-the-counter yeast medication: The characteristics of the discharge described (white, thin, and watery) are not typical of a yeast infection. Using over-the-counter medications without proper assessment can lead to unnecessary treatment.
C. Inform her that this is a normal physiological change: This is the most appropriate action. Increased vaginal discharge, often described as leukorrhea, is a common and normal change during pregnancy. It's generally thin, white, and watery.
D. Prepare the client for a sterile speculum exam: A sterile speculum exam may be indicated if there are other concerning symptoms or if the discharge changes in color, consistency, or if there is associated itching or foul odor. However, based on the information provided, it's not the first-line action.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Insert a Foley catheter with a urimeter to monitor hourly output: This is a reasonable intervention because magnesium sulfate can affect renal function, and monitoring urinary output is essential. However, there's a more critical intervention to consider first.
B. Have calcium gluconate immediately available: This is the highest priority. Magnesium sulfate toxicity can lead to neuromuscular blockade, and calcium gluconate is the antidote. Having it readily available is crucial in case signs of magnesium toxicity (such as loss of deep tendon reflexes) appear.
C. Provide a quiet environment with subdued lighting: While maintaining a calm environment is generally important for clients on magnesium sulfate, it is not the highest priority in this situation.
D. Assess deep tendon reflexes (DTRs) every 4 hours: This is an important part of monitoring for magnesium sulfate toxicity. However, the immediate availability of calcium gluconate is the highest priority in case toxicity occurs.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Cleanse the spinal injection site:
Cleansing the spinal injection site is a routine part of maintaining proper hygiene during and after the administration of spinal anesthesia. However, if the client is experiencing symptoms of a spinal headache, the priority is to prepare for potential interventions by having the necessary equipment ready rather than focusing on the site itself.
B. Apply an abdominal binder:
Applying an abdominal binder is not directly related to addressing a spinal headache. Abdominal binders are typically used for providing support to the abdominal muscles after childbirth or surgery. It wouldn't be the primary intervention for a spinal headache.
C. Insert an indwelling Foley catheter:
Inserting an indwelling Foley catheter is not a direct intervention for addressing a spinal headache. Spinal headaches are related to cerebrospinal fluid leakage and positioning. While managing the patient's overall care is important, it may not be the immediate priority in this context.
D. Place procedure equipment at bedside:
This is the most appropriate action in the context of a postpartal client exhibiting symptoms of a spinal headache. Having the necessary procedure equipment, such as materials for a blood patch, ready at the bedside ensures preparedness for potential interventions by the anesthesiologist.
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