A nurse in a prenatal clinic is caring for a client who asks what her estimated date of delivery will be if her last menstrual period was May 4, 2022.
Which of the following is the appropriate response by the nurse?

Choice A rationale

Bleeding or spotting can accompany implantation. This is a common occurrence and does not necessarily indicate a problem with the pregnancy. It happens when the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus. Some women may mistake this bleeding for a light period, but it’s a sign of pregnancy.

Choice B rationale

Fertilization typically takes place in the outer third of the fallopian tube. After ovulation, the egg travels down the fallopian tube towards the uterus. If sperm are present in the fallopian tube at this time, fertilization can occur. This is a normal part of the reproductive process.

Choice C rationale

Sperm can remain viable in the woman’s reproductive tract for 2 to 3 days. This means that intercourse does not have to coincide exactly with ovulation in order to achieve pregnancy. The sperm can survive long enough to fertilize the egg when it is released.

Choice D rationale

The statement “Implantation occurs between 2 and 3 weeks after conception” is incorrect and requires intervention by the nurse. Implantation actually occurs about 6-10 days after ovulation, which is less than 2 weeks after conception.

The correct answer is Choice C.

Choice A rationale: Inserting an IV catheter is important for potential fluid and medication administration, but it is not the immediate priority action.

Choice B rationale: Administering glucocorticoids is important for fetal lung maturity in case of preterm birth, but it is not the immediate priority upon admission.

Choice C rationale: Applying an external fetal monitor is the priority action. It allows for continuous monitoring of the fetal heart rate and uterine activity to assess the well-being of the fetus and detect any signs of distress.

Choice D rationale: Monitoring vaginal bleeding is important for managing placenta previa, but it is not the immediate priority. Continuous fetal monitoring takes precedence to ensure fetal safety.