Which findings would the nurse determine is a positive sign of pregnancy in a patient who presents to the clinic and reports to be 10 weeks pregnant?

Choice A rationale

While infant falls are a significant safety concern in the postpartum period and early childhood, the Period of PURPLE Crying program is not specifically focused on mechanical safety or physical handling techniques. Falls are usually addressed through general safety teaching regarding furniture, stairs, and carrying techniques. This specific educational program targets the psychological and behavioral aspects of responding to a crying infant rather than the physical prevention of accidental falls or drops in the home environment.

Choice B rationale

Hypoglycemia prevention is a critical aspect of early neonatal care, but it is managed through feeding education and monitoring of glucose levels rather than through a video about crying patterns. The physiology of blood sugar regulation is unrelated to the behavioral education provided in the PURPLE Crying curriculum. Feeding schedules are discussed in the context of nutrition and growth, whereas this video focuses on the emotional and developmental challenges parents face when an infant cries excessively.

Choice C rationale

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) prevention is addressed through the Safe to Sleep campaign, which emphasizes supine positioning, firm sleep surfaces, and the avoidance of loose bedding. While both programs are essential for newborn safety, they target different risks. The PURPLE Crying program does not provide instruction on sleep environments or SIDS risk factors, as its primary goal is to educate parents on the developmental phase of increased crying to prevent caregiver frustration and potential abuse.

Choice D rationale

The Period of PURPLE Crying is a specialized evidence-based program designed to prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome and abusive head trauma. It educates parents that crying is a normal developmental phase that often increases at 2 weeks of age and peaks at 2 months. By explaining that crying can be inconsolable and is not a reflection of poor parenting, the program helps reduce the frustration and anger that can lead a caregiver to shake or harm an infant.

Choice A rationale

The fundamental technique for performing Kegel exercises involves identifying and isolating the pubococcygeus muscles. An effective way to teach patients how to locate these muscles is to suggest they mimic the action of stopping the flow of urine midstream. This specific muscle contraction helps strengthen the pelvic floor, which supports the bladder, uterus, and bowel. Correct identification ensures that the patient is targeting the right muscle group to improve urinary continence and pelvic health.

Choice B rationale

While Kegel exercises can technically be performed in various positions, including standing, it is often recommended that beginners start while lying down or sitting to better isolate the pelvic floor muscles without the interference of gravity or other muscle groups. Standing is not a requirement for the process to be correct, and suggesting it as a primary method does not necessarily indicate a superior understanding of the exercise compared to identifying the correct muscle action.

Choice C rationale

A common mistake when performing Kegel exercises is the co-contraction of the abdominal, gluteal, and thigh muscles. To be effective, the patient must isolate the pelvic floor muscles specifically. If the patient is contracting her thighs, buttocks, and abdomen, she is not performing the exercise correctly and will not achieve the desired strengthening of the perineal muscles. Proper education emphasizes relaxation of these external muscle groups while focusing solely on the pelvic floor.

Choice D rationale

To achieve significant improvement in pelvic floor strength and muscle tone, consistency and frequency are necessary. Doing only 10 exercises per day is generally insufficient to produce a therapeutic effect. Most clinical guidelines recommend performing multiple sets of 10 contractions several times a day, totaling 30 to 80 repetitions daily. The patient's report of only 10 repetitions indicates an inadequate routine that will likely not lead to the desired healing and strengthening outcomes.