A pregnant patient at 28 weeks gestation reports dizziness and faintness when standing. What is the nurse's most appropriate recommendation?

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 primary purpose of performing an episiotomy during delivery is to reduce the risk of perineal trauma. Episiotomy is a surgical incision made in the perineum to widen the vaginal opening during childbirth, which can help prevent severe tearing of the perineal tissue. This procedure is performed to provide controlled and precise incision, reducing the likelihood of extensive tears that may lead to complications such as infection or prolonged healing time. It is not done to promote faster delivery, facilitate fetal descent, or provide immediate fetal oxygenation. These choices do not accurately reflect the main goal of episiotomy, which is to minimize perineal trauma.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Monitor vital signs. This is the most important intervention because changes in vital signs can indicate the presence of infection early on. By closely monitoring the postpartum person's vital signs, the nurse can promptly identify any signs of infection and initiate appropriate interventions. Educating on proper hygiene (B) and wound care (C) are essential but monitoring vital signs takes precedence in immediate infection detection. Encouraging ambulation (D) is beneficial for preventing complications like blood clots, but it is not the most crucial intervention for infection prevention in this scenario.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: perform uterine massage. This is the priority because uterine massage helps to stimulate uterine contractions, which can help control bleeding in postpartum individuals. It is crucial to address the source of bleeding first. Performing a vaginal examination (choice B) may exacerbate bleeding. Evaluating blood loss (choice C) is important but not the initial step. Performing a uterine check (choice D) is vague and not as specific as uterine massage in addressing postpartum bleeding.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the sudden increase in vaginal discharge at 40 weeks gestation could indicate the onset of labor. Checking for signs of labor, such as contractions and assessing fetal heart rate, is crucial to determine if the patient is in active labor. This helps in timely intervention and ensuring the well-being of both the mother and baby. Summary: - Choice B: Encouraging rest and monitoring changes in discharge may not address the urgency of the situation. - Choice C: Performing a pelvic exam without assessing signs of labor or fetal well-being may delay necessary actions. - Choice D: While reporting to the healthcare provider is important, immediate assessment of labor signs and fetal heart rate takes precedence.