A nurse is educating a pregnant patient about the signs of preterm labor. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching plan?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because frequent, regular contractions every 10 minutes or less are a classic sign of preterm labor, indicating the need for immediate medical attention. Decreased fetal movement and back pain (choice B) are not specific signs of preterm labor. Mild cramping and occasional vaginal spotting (choice C) could be normal in pregnancy or may indicate other issues, but they are not definitive signs of preterm labor. Headaches and blurred vision (choice D) are more indicative of preeclampsia, a separate condition from preterm labor. Therefore, choice A is the most accurate and specific sign to include in the teaching plan for preterm labor.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Count fetal movements and report a decrease of more than 10 movements per day. This recommendation is evidence-based and aligns with guidelines for monitoring fetal well-being. Counting fetal movements helps assess fetal health, and a decrease in movements could indicate potential issues like fetal distress. Reporting a decrease of more than 10 movements per day ensures timely intervention if needed. Choice B is incorrect because waiting until after 32 weeks could delay necessary intervention if there are concerns about fetal movements. Choice C is incorrect as it dismisses the importance of monitoring fetal movements altogether. Choice D is incorrect as there is no requirement to always lie down or restrict monitoring to only after meals, which could lead to missed opportunities for detecting potential problems.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sudden swelling of the hands and feet. Gestational hypertension is characterized by sudden onset of high blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy, leading to fluid retention and swelling. This is known as preeclampsia, a severe form of gestational hypertension. Swelling in the hands and feet is a key sign due to fluid imbalance. Severe headache and visual changes (choice A) are more indicative of preeclampsia complications. Excessive weight loss and fatigue (choice C) are not typical signs of gestational hypertension. Frequent urination and dehydration (choice D) are not directly related to gestational hypertension.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Eat smaller, more frequent meals and avoid lying down after eating. This recommendation helps prevent acid reflux by reducing the pressure on the stomach and ensuring that the stomach is not overly full. Eating smaller meals more frequently prevents the stomach from becoming too full, which can trigger heartburn. Avoiding lying down after eating helps prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. Options A, C, and D are incorrect. Taking antacids after every meal can lead to excessive intake and potential side effects. Drinking water immediately after meals may exacerbate heartburn by diluting stomach acid further. Increasing caffeine intake can worsen heartburn symptoms due to its ability to relax the lower esophageal sphincter.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A (every 15 minutes) because immediate postpartum assessment is crucial for early detection of complications. Monitoring vital signs every 15 minutes allows for prompt identification of issues like hemorrhage or infection. Choice B (every 30 minutes) may lead to a delayed response to critical changes. Choice C (once, then hourly) may miss rapid changes in the first hour. Choice D (once, then every 4 hours) is too infrequent for the critical postpartum period. Regular monitoring is essential for ensuring maternal safety.