A nurse is caring for a pregnant patient who is 24 weeks gestation and has been diagnosed with anemia. What should the nurse teach the patient about managing this condition?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because increasing iron-rich foods and taking iron supplements as prescribed is the standard treatment for managing anemia during pregnancy. Iron is essential for red blood cell production, which is crucial for both the mother and the developing fetus. Resting frequently (choice B) may help with fatigue but does not address the root cause of anemia. Limiting dairy intake (choice C) is not necessary and may lead to other nutritional deficiencies. Incorporating vitamin D-rich foods (choice D) can be beneficial for overall health but does not specifically address the management of anemia.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Elevating the legs and avoiding prolonged standing is the most appropriate recommendation for a pregnant patient experiencing swelling at 32 weeks gestation. Elevating the legs helps to reduce swelling by aiding in venous return and reducing fluid accumulation in the lower extremities. Prolonged standing can worsen swelling due to increased pressure on the veins. Limiting fluid intake (choice A) may lead to dehydration and is not recommended during pregnancy. Applying compression stockings (choice C) may help improve circulation but may not address the underlying cause of swelling. Resting in bed with feet elevated at all times (choice D) is excessive and may not be practical for the patient.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assess the patient's hemoglobin levels to check for anemia. Fatigue and weakness are common symptoms of anemia, especially in pregnant women. By assessing the hemoglobin levels, the nurse can determine if the patient is anemic and needs appropriate treatment. This step is crucial for identifying and addressing the underlying cause of the symptoms. Summary: B: Recommending a high-calorie diet may not address the root cause of the fatigue and weakness, which could be anemia. C: While rest is important during pregnancy, simply encouraging rest without investigating the cause of the symptoms may delay appropriate treatment. D: While gentle exercises can be beneficial during pregnancy, they may not be suitable if the patient is experiencing significant fatigue and weakness due to anemia.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because assessing the patient's posture and recommending appropriate exercises can help alleviate lower back pain during pregnancy. Poor posture and lack of exercise are common causes of back pain in pregnancy. Administering pain medication as in choice A may not address the root cause. Instructing the patient to lie flat on her back (choice C) can actually worsen back pain and pose risks during pregnancy. Performing a pelvic exam (choice D) is not necessary unless there are specific indications for it related to the patient's complaint. Therefore, choice B is the most appropriate initial action to address the lower back pain in this pregnant patient.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Monitoring the fetal heart rate and checking for signs of labor is the most appropriate action as it allows the nurse to assess the status of the pregnancy and the potential onset of preterm labor. This proactive approach helps in early identification and management of any concerning signs or symptoms. Administering magnesium sulfate (choice B) is not appropriate without proper assessment and indication. Encouraging rest and symptom monitoring (choice C) is beneficial but may not be sufficient for evaluating preterm labor. Recommending the patient lie flat on her back for 24 hours (choice D) is not evidence-based and could potentially cause harm.