If exhibited by a pregnant woman, what represents a positive sign of pregnancy?

Choice A rationale:

Ask her to turn to one side. The supine position during labor can compress the vena cava, reducing blood flow to the uterus and potentially compromising fetal oxygenation. Turning the woman to her side, especially the left side, can relieve this pressure and improve blood flow to the uterus, ensuring adequate oxygen supply to the fetus. This position change is crucial for the well-being of both the mother and the baby during labor.

Choice B rationale:

Elevate her feet and legs. Elevating the woman's feet and legs might not be effective in relieving the pressure on the vena cava, as it does not change the orientation of the uterus in relation to the vena cava. Turning the woman to her side is a more appropriate and effective action to improve blood flow to the uterus and fetus.

Choice C rationale:

Take her blood pressure. While monitoring the woman's blood pressure is essential during labor, it is not the most appropriate action in this situation. The priority is to relieve the compression of the vena cava by changing the woman's position.

Choice D rationale:

Determine whether fetal tachycardia is present. Monitoring the fetal heart rate is crucial during labor, but the woman's position should be the immediate concern if she is lying in the supine position. Changing her position to relieve the vena cava compression takes precedence to ensure adequate oxygenation to the fetus.

Choice A rationale:

Pouring water from a squeeze bottle over the woman's perineum is a common technique used to ease perineal discomfort after childbirth, but it does not address the issue of a full bladder preventing the uterus from contracting normally.

Choice B rationale:

Placing oil of peppermint in a bedpan under the woman is a technique used to encourage relaxation and help the woman empty her bladder spontaneously. The smell of peppermint can stimulate the relaxation of pelvic muscles, making it easier for the woman to urinate. This method is often effective in encouraging postpartum women to empty their bladders, which is important for uterine contraction and preventing postpartum hemorrhage.

Choice C rationale:

Asking the physician to prescribe analgesics may help manage pain but does not directly address the issue of a full bladder preventing normal uterine contractions.

Choice D rationale:

Inserting a sterile catheter is a medical intervention that might be necessary if the woman cannot empty her bladder spontaneously. However, it is typically considered after other non-invasive methods, such as the use of peppermint oil, have been attempted and failed. Inserting a catheter should be done with caution to avoid introducing infection and discomfort to the woman.