A pregnant patient at 26 weeks gestation reports nausea and vomiting. What is the nurse's priority action?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because nausea and vomiting are common during pregnancy and can be alleviated by eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding greasy foods. This strategy helps maintain stable blood sugar levels and reduces gastric distress. Administering anti-nausea medications (A) should only be considered if conservative measures fail. Instructing the patient to eat larger meals less frequently (B) may worsen symptoms. Encouraging rest and avoiding physical activity (D) may be beneficial but addressing dietary factors is the priority in this case.

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: Monitor the patient's blood pressure and assess for signs of preeclampsia. At 32 weeks gestation, headaches and nausea could be symptoms of preeclampsia, a serious condition in pregnancy. Monitoring blood pressure is crucial as preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure. Assessing for signs of preeclampsia, such as proteinuria or visual disturbances, is essential for timely intervention. Administering anti-nausea medication or encouraging rest without addressing the possibility of preeclampsia could delay necessary treatment. Scheduling a follow-up appointment without immediate assessment could also put the patient at risk if preeclampsia is present.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Instruct the patient to increase fluid intake and stand slowly. This recommendation is appropriate because the patient is likely experiencing orthostatic hypotension due to the expanding uterus compressing blood vessels, leading to decreased blood flow to the brain when standing. Increasing fluid intake helps maintain blood volume, while standing slowly helps prevent sudden drops in blood pressure. A: Rising quickly can worsen dizziness by further decreasing blood flow to the brain. C: Resting in bed may not address the underlying issue of orthostatic hypotension and may lead to deconditioning. D: Avoiding standing for long periods may be impractical and may not address the need to maintain adequate blood volume and prevent sudden drops in blood pressure.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: The patient's blood pressure and hydration status should be assessed first because dizziness and lightheadedness can be indicative of hypotension or dehydration, common issues during pregnancy. Monitoring blood pressure will help determine if the symptoms are related to low blood pressure, and assessing hydration status can identify if the patient needs to increase fluid intake. Summary of other choices: B: Assessing fetal heart rate and activity is important but not the priority in this situation as the focus should be on the maternal health first. C: Checking hemoglobin and hematocrit levels is important for detecting anemia, but it is not the initial assessment for dizziness and lightheadedness. D: Monitoring weight gain and diet history are essential aspects of prenatal care but are not the immediate concerns when a pregnant patient is experiencing dizziness and lightheadedness.