A 16-year-old, G1 P0000, is being seen at her 10-week gestation visit. She tells the nurse that she felt the baby move that morning. Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct response, "B) Would you please describe what you felt for me?" is appropriate for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrates active listening and encourages the patient to express her feelings, fostering a trusting nurse-patient relationship. This approach allows the nurse to gather specific information about the patient's experience, which is crucial for assessing fetal well-being and providing appropriate care during pregnancy. Option A is incorrect because it assumes the baby's health based on fetal movement alone, which can be misleading. Option C is incorrect as it dismisses the patient's experience, potentially causing the patient to feel unheard or misunderstood. Option D is inappropriate because it puts the onus on the patient to allow the nurse to feel the baby, which may not be comfortable or necessary at this stage of pregnancy. In an educational context, this question highlights the importance of effective communication and patient-centered care in maternal monitoring during pregnancy. It emphasizes the significance of listening to patients, gathering information, and providing appropriate support and guidance based on individual needs and experiences. Such skills are essential for nurses to ensure optimal maternal and fetal outcomes during pregnancy.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) Human placental lactogen. During pregnancy, the placenta produces human placental lactogen (hPL), which plays a crucial role in regulating maternal glucose and fat metabolism to ensure a continuous nutrient supply to the fetus. The glucose challenge screening test, performed around 24-28 weeks of gestation, evaluates how well the mother's body processes glucose and responds to the hormonal changes of pregnancy, particularly hPL. Option A) Estrogen is involved in various aspects of pregnancy, but it is not directly related to the maternal physiological response tested by the glucose challenge screening. Option B) Progesterone is essential for maintaining pregnancy and preparing the uterus for implantation, but it does not have a direct impact on maternal glucose metabolism as hPL does. Option D) Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is produced by the placenta early in pregnancy and is the hormone detected by pregnancy tests. However, it is not the hormone primarily responsible for regulating maternal glucose metabolism and response, as hPL is. Educationally, understanding the role of hPL in maternal glucose metabolism is crucial for healthcare providers monitoring maternal health during pregnancy. Knowledge of the glucose challenge screening test and the hormones involved helps healthcare professionals identify and manage gestational diabetes, ensuring the well-being of both the mother and the developing fetus.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Evening primrose oil has been suggested to pregnant individuals as a complementary therapy due to its potential to ripen the cervix. This is the correct answer because evening primrose oil contains an essential fatty acid called gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) which is thought to stimulate the production of prostaglandins in the body. Prostaglandins are hormones that play a role in softening and ripening the cervix in preparation for labor. Option A, relieving back strain, is incorrect as evening primrose oil is not typically used for this purpose during pregnancy. Option B, improving the development of colostrum, is also incorrect as colostrum production is not directly influenced by evening primrose oil. Option D, reducing the incidence of hemorrhoids, is not a known benefit of evening primrose oil in the context of pregnancy. Educationally, it is important for healthcare providers working with pregnant individuals to have a good understanding of complementary therapies like evening primrose oil and their potential effects during pregnancy. This knowledge allows for informed discussions with patients about the benefits and risks of using such therapies, ultimately supporting shared decision-making in maternal care.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is option A) Blood glucose. Monitoring blood glucose levels in a third-trimester client during routine prenatal care is crucial as it helps in identifying gestational diabetes or potential issues related to glucose metabolism. Gestational diabetes can pose risks to both the mother and the baby during pregnancy and delivery. By monitoring blood glucose levels, healthcare providers can intervene early with appropriate management strategies to ensure a healthy pregnancy outcome. Option B) Blood pressure is important in prenatal care, but in this specific case of a third-trimester client, monitoring blood glucose takes precedence over blood pressure as gestational diabetes is more likely to develop at this stage. Option C) Fetal heart rate monitoring is essential during labor but is not the primary focus during routine prenatal care in the third trimester. Option D) Urine protein is typically monitored for signs of preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. While important, monitoring blood glucose is more relevant in this scenario as it directly assesses the client's metabolic status during pregnancy. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind the need for specific prenatal monitoring tests is vital for healthcare providers to provide comprehensive care to pregnant clients. By prioritizing and interpreting these tests correctly, healthcare professionals can intervene early, prevent complications, and promote positive maternal and fetal outcomes.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) Use of three pillows for sleep comfort. During the third trimester of pregnancy, which is typically from 28 weeks until birth, it is common for pregnant individuals to experience discomfort while trying to sleep. Using multiple pillows to support the abdomen, back, and hips can help alleviate this discomfort and improve sleep quality. Option A) Nausea and vomiting is a common symptom experienced during the first trimester of pregnancy due to hormonal changes, typically resolving by the second trimester. At 35 weeks' gestation, it is less likely to be a primary concern. Option B) Maternal ambivalence, which refers to mixed feelings or uncertainty about the pregnancy, is a psychosocial aspect that is not directly related to physical symptoms at 35 weeks' gestation. Option C) Fundal height 10 cm above the umbilicus is a measurement used to assess fetal growth and position during pregnancy. While this measurement can provide important clinical information, it does not directly address the discomfort associated with sleep during the third trimester. In an educational context, understanding the common discomforts and challenges faced by pregnant individuals during different stages of pregnancy is essential for healthcare providers, especially those involved in maternal monitoring during labor. Educating pregnant individuals about strategies to improve sleep quality can help promote overall well-being during this critical time.