In a client's seventh month of pregnancy, she reports feeling "dizzy, like I'm going to pass out, when I lie down flat on my back". The nurse explains that this is due to:
Select one:
Physiologic anemia due to maternal increased plasma volume.
Pressure of the gravid uterus on the maternal inferior vena cava and aorta.
Pressure of the presenting fetal part on the maternal diaphragm.
A 50% increase in maternal blood volume during pregnancy.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason: Physiologic anemia due to maternal increased plasma volume. This is an incorrect answer that refers to a different condition that affects hemoglobin levels, not blood pressure. Physiologic anemia is a condition where the maternal plasma volume increases more than the red blood cell mass during pregnancy, which dilutes the hemoglobin concentration and lowers the hematocrit value. Physiologic anemia does not cause significant symptoms or complications in pregnant women, as it is an adaptive mechanism that enhances oxygen delivery and prevents fluid overload.
Choice B Reason: Pressure of the gravid uterus on the maternal inferior vena cava and aorta. This is because this statement explains the cause of supine hypotensive syndrome, which is a condition where lying flat on the back causes compression of the major blood vessels by the gravid uterus, which reduces venous return and cardiac output, which lowers blood pressure and perfusion to vital organs. Supine hypotensive syndrome can cause symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, pallor, or syncope in pregnant women, especially in the third trimester.
Choice C Reason: Pressure of the presenting fetal part on the maternal diaphragm. This is an incorrect answer that indicates a different condition that affects respiratory function, not blood pressure. Pressure of the presenting fetal part on the maternal diaphragm is a result of cephalic engagement or lightening, which occurs when the fetal head descends into the pelvis and occupies more space in the abdominal cavity. Pressure of the presenting fetal part on the maternal diaphragm can cause symptoms such as dyspnea, heartburn, or rib pain in pregnant women.
Choice D Reason: A 50% increase in maternal blood volume during pregnancy. This is an incorrect answer that describes a normal physiological change that occurs during pregnancy, not a cause of supine hypotensive syndrome. A 50% increase in maternal blood volume during pregnancy is due to increased production of plasma and red blood cells, which helps meet the increased oxygen and nutrient demands of the fetus and placenta, and prepares the mother for blood loss during delivery. A 50% increase in maternal blood volume during pregnancy does not cause hypotension or dizziness in pregnant women.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Fetal movements are an indicator of fetal well-being. You should count twice a day, and you should feel ten fetal movements in 2 hours. This is because this response provides accurate and clear instructions on how to perform kick counts, which are a simple and non-invasive method of monitoring fetal activity and health. Kick counts can help detect changes in fetal movement paterns that may indicate fetal distress or hypoxia.
Choice B Reason: Here is a computer printed information packet on how to do kick counts. This is an insufficient answer that does not address the patient's question or demonstrate effective communication skills. Providing writen information alone may not ensure the patient's understanding or compliance with kick counts.
Choice C Reason: Fetal kick counts are not a reliable indicator of fetal well-being in the third trimester. This is an incorrect answer that contradicts the evidence and guidelines on kick counts. Kick counts are recommended for all pregnant women, especially in the third trimester, when fetal movements are more noticeable and consistent.
Choice D Reason: It is not important to do kick counts because you have a low-risk pregnancy. This is an incorrect answer that discourages the patient from performing kick counts and may give her a false sense of security. Kick counts are important for all pregnant women, regardless of their risk status, as they can help identify potential problems that may require further evaluation or intervention.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Provide compassionate and accurate information throughout the process and support them to make their own decisions. This is a therapeutic strategy that demonstrates empathy, honesty, and advocacy for the couple. It also helps them understand their options, risks, benefits, and alternatives, and encourages them to participate in their care.
Choice B Reason: Inquire about the names they have chosen for their baby to get their mind off their stress. This is a non-therapeutic strategy that avoids addressing the couple's concerns, minimizes their feelings, and may create false hope or unrealistic expectations.
Choice C Reason: Express sympathy and provide directive advice to the couple about what they should do. This is a non-therapeutic strategy that shows pity, imposes personal values, and undermines the couple's self-determination.
Choice D Reason: Refer them to a marriage counselor in the same building to help them with the decisions. This is a non-therapeutic strategy that implies that the couple has marital problems, shifts responsibility, and may create resentment or resistance.
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