A pregnant patient is at 25 weeks gestation and is concerned about her risk of preterm labor. Which of the following symptoms should the nurse educate the patient to report immediately?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Painful, regular contractions. At 25 weeks gestation, experiencing painful, regular contractions could indicate preterm labor, which requires immediate medical attention to prevent premature birth. Mild back pain and cramping (choice A) are common in pregnancy and may not necessarily indicate preterm labor. Increased vaginal discharge (choice B) is also common in pregnancy and not typically a sign of preterm labor. Feeling of pelvic pressure after physical activity (choice D) is common due to the growing uterus and ligament stretching, but it is not a definitive sign of preterm labor unless accompanied by other symptoms like contractions.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Step 1: The correct answer is D because hospital support for breastfeeding is a current trend that has significantly changed since the early 1980s. Back then, breastfeeding support in hospitals was minimal or nonexistent. Step 2: Hospitals now provide extensive support for breastfeeding, including lactation consultants, education, and resources to help new mothers succeed in breastfeeding. Step 3: This change in practice is a significant departure from the past and reflects the growing awareness of the importance of breastfeeding for both the mother and the baby's health. Step 4: In contrast, choices A, B, and C are not as significant changes or trends compared to the evolution of hospital support for breastfeeding. Fetal monitoring, postpartum stay duration, and family presence during cesarean births have been around for a while and have seen some modifications, but they are not as dramatic as the shift in breastfeeding support.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Assess the patient's blood pressure and check for signs of preeclampsia. This is the priority action because sudden headache and visual changes in a pregnant patient at 28 weeks gestation could indicate preeclampsia, a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure and organ damage. Checking blood pressure and signs of preeclampsia is crucial for early detection and prompt management to prevent complications for both the mother and baby. Encouraging a warm bath, administering pain medication, or instructing the patient to rest may provide temporary relief but do not address the underlying cause of the symptoms.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer antibiotics as prescribed. The priority is to treat the UTI to prevent potential harm to the patient and fetus. Antibiotics are necessary to eliminate the infection and reduce the risk of complications. Encouraging cranberry juice (B) may be beneficial for prevention but is not sufficient to treat an existing UTI. Providing education about preterm labor signs (C) is important but addressing the infection is the immediate concern. Scheduling a follow-up ultrasound (D) may be necessary later but does not address the urgent need to treat the UTI.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Elevate the legs and perform gentle stretching exercises. Leg cramps during pregnancy are common due to increased weight and pressure on the legs. Elevating the legs helps improve circulation and reduce cramping. Gentle stretching exercises can also help relieve muscle tension. Increasing calcium intake (choice A) may be beneficial for preventing cramps, but it is not the immediate intervention for relief. Exercise (choice B) may worsen cramping if done excessively. Applying heat packs (choice D) may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying cause of the cramps.