The patient is 34 weeks pregnant and during a regular prenatal visit she asks how to do kick counts. The best response by the nurse would be:
Select one:
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.
Here is a computer printed information packet on how to do kick counts.
Fetal kick counts are not a reliable indicator of fetal well-being in the third trimester.
It is not important to do kick counts because you have a low-risk pregnancy.
The Correct Answer is A
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Vascular spider veins. This is an incorrect answer that refers to a different skin change that occurs during pregnancy, which affects the blood vessels, not the pigment. Vascular spider veins are small red or purple clusters of blood vessels that appear on the skin, especially on the face, neck, chest, or legs. Vascular spider veins are caused by increased blood volume and hormonal changes, which dilate and rupture the capillaries. Vascular spider veins are harmless and usually disappear after delivery.
Choice B Reason: Linea nigra. This is because linea nigra is a term that refers to a darkened vertical line that appears on the abdomen during pregnancy, which runs from the umbilicus to the pubis. Linea nigra is caused by increased production of melanin, which is a pigment that gives color to the skin and hair. Linea nigra is more common and noticeable in women with darker skin tones, and it usually fades after delivery.
Choice C Reason: Melasma. This is an incorrect answer that refers to a different skin change that occurs during pregnancy, which affects the pigment, but not in a linear patern. Melasma is a term that refers to patches of brown or gray-brown discoloration that appear on the face, especially on the forehead, cheeks, nose, or upper lip. Melasma is also caused by increased production of melanin, but it is influenced by sun exposure and genetic factors. Melasma is also known as chloasma or the mask of pregnancy, and it may persist after delivery.
Choice D Reason: Striae gravidarum. This is an incorrect answer that refers to a different skin change that occurs during pregnancy, which affects the connective tissue, not the pigment. Striae gravidarum are stretch marks that appear on the skin, especially on the abdomen, breasts, hips, or thighs. Striae gravidarum are caused by rapid growth and stretching of the skin, which damage the collagen and elastin fibers. Striae gravidarum are initially red or purple, but they fade to white or silver after delivery.

Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Respiratory rate of 16. This is an incorrect answer that indicates a normal finding that does not suggest magnesium sulfate toxicity. Respiratory rate is a measure of the number of breaths per minute, which reflects the respiratory function and oxygenation status. Respiratory rate of 16 is within the normal range for adults, which is 12 to 20 breaths per minute. Respiratory rate of 16 does not indicate magnesium sulfate toxicity, which can cause respiratory rate below 12 breaths per minute.
Choice B Reason: Complaints by the client of feeling flushed and warm. This is an incorrect answer that indicates a common side effect that does not indicate magnesium sulfate toxicity. Feeling flushed and warm are sensations that are caused by vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), which can occur as a result of magnesium sulfate administration. Feeling flushed and warm are not signs of magnesium sulfate toxicity, but rather expected and mild reactions that usually subside within a few hours.
Choice C Reason: Fetal heart rate of 120. This is an incorrect answer that indicates a normal finding that does not suggest magnesium sulfate toxicity. Fetal heart rate is a measure of the number of beats per minute of the fetal heart, which reflects the fetal well-being and oxygenation status. Fetal heart rate of 120 is within the normal range for fetuses, which is 110 to 160 beats per minute. Fetal heart rate of 120 does not indicate magnesium sulfate toxicity, which can cause fetal heart rate below 110 beats per minute or above 160 beats per minute.
Choice D Reason: Patellar reflexes are absent. This is because absent patellar reflexes are a sign of magnesium sulfate toxicity, which is a condition where the level of magnesium in the blood is too high, which can cause adverse effects on the neuromuscular and cardiovascular systems. Magnesium sulfate is a medication that is used to prevent or treat preterm labor, which is labor that occurs before 37 weeks of gestation. Magnesium sulfate works by relaxing the uterine muscles and inhibiting uterine contractions. However, magnesium sulfate can also affect other muscles and nerves in the body, and cause symptoms such as muscle weakness, respiratory depression, hypotension, or cardiac arrest.

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