A nurse is caring for a pregnant patient who is 12 weeks gestation and reports feeling fatigued. Which of the following is the nurse's most appropriate response?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Correct Answer: A Rationale: 1. Fatigue is common in the first trimester due to hormonal changes and increased energy demands. 2. Second trimester typically brings relief as hormone levels stabilize and energy levels increase. 3. Reassuring the patient about the normalcy of fatigue promotes understanding and reduces anxiety. Summary: - Choice B focuses on rest but does not address the normalcy of fatigue in the first trimester. - Choice C jumps to conclusions without considering common causes first. - Choice D assumes iron deficiency without assessing the patient's overall health status.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Assessing the patient's respiratory rate and oxygen saturation is essential to determine the severity of the breathing difficulty. Step 2: It helps in identifying potential respiratory issues or complications that may require immediate intervention. Step 3: This data will guide the nurse in making informed decisions regarding further management and treatment. Step 4: Encouraging rest (B) may be appropriate after assessment. Administering oxygen and preparing for delivery (C) is premature without assessment. Asking the patient to lie on her left side (D) without initial assessment may delay necessary interventions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Correct Answer: B Rationale: 1. During pregnancy, it is crucial to minimize medication use to prevent potential harm to the fetus. 2. Many OTC medications have not been extensively studied for safety in pregnancy. 3. Healthcare providers can recommend safe and effective treatment options tailored to the individual. 4. Avoiding unnecessary medication reduces the risk of adverse effects on the developing baby. Summary: A: Incorrect. Not all OTC medications are safe during pregnancy, and blanket statements can be harmful. C: Incorrect. Safety of OTC medications can vary by trimester, so blanket statements are not appropriate. D: Incorrect. Herbal remedies can also pose risks during pregnancy, and individualized guidance is necessary.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because positioning the pregnant patient in a more upright position can help alleviate the shortness of breath by allowing the diaphragm to move more freely, reducing pressure on the lungs, and improving oxygenation. This action promotes optimal oxygen flow and comfort for the patient. A: Administering oxygen and preparing for delivery may be necessary in some cases but does not address the immediate need to alleviate shortness of breath caused by the supine position. C: Deep breathing exercises may not be effective in relieving shortness of breath caused by the supine position and may even exacerbate the discomfort. D: Instructing the patient to take shallow breaths and avoid exertion does not address the underlying cause of shortness of breath and may not provide adequate relief.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: "You can control gestational diabetes with regular exercise and a healthy diet." This is the most appropriate statement because managing gestational diabetes through lifestyle modifications like regular exercise and a healthy diet is a key component of treatment. By controlling blood sugar levels through these methods, complications for both the mother and baby can be reduced. Choice A is incorrect because gestational diabetes may not always resolve after delivery and can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. Choice B is incorrect as it confuses the risk of the baby developing diabetes with the mother's condition. Choice D is incorrect as gestational diabetes is not rare and requires monitoring and sometimes treatment to manage effectively.