A pregnant patient is at 28 weeks gestation and reports leg cramps. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Leg cramps during pregnancy are common due to increased weight and pressure on leg muscles. Stretching and elevating legs can help alleviate cramps by improving circulation and reducing muscle tension. Increasing calcium intake (B) may help prevent cramps but is not the immediate action needed. Administering pain medication (C) should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Walking (D) is beneficial for overall health during pregnancy but may not directly address the immediate leg cramps.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because encouraging the patient to rest in an upright position helps improve lung expansion and oxygenation, relieving the difficulty in breathing. By monitoring symptoms, the nurse can assess for any worsening signs or the need for further intervention. A: Administering oxygen and preparing for delivery is premature without assessing the patient further. B: Lying on the left side may alleviate pressure on the diaphragm but does not address the underlying cause of difficulty breathing. D: Instructing to take deep breaths and elevate legs may not be beneficial and could potentially worsen the symptoms.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The primary goal of fetal heart rate monitoring during the second stage of labor is to evaluate fetal well-being. This is crucial to ensure that the baby is tolerating labor and delivery well. Monitoring fetal heart rate helps identify any signs of distress or compromise in oxygen supply to the baby. It guides healthcare providers in making timely interventions if needed to prevent adverse outcomes. Choices A and B are incorrect because the primary goal is not about timing contractions or assessing uterine contractions strength. Choice D is incorrect as the focus is not on monitoring the vital signs of the birthing person but on assessing the well-being of the fetus.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: every 15 minutes. During the first hour of the fourth stage of labor, immediate postpartum assessment is crucial to monitor for any signs of complications such as hemorrhage or shock. Assessing vital signs every 15 minutes allows for early detection of any abnormalities and prompt intervention. This frequency ensures close monitoring of the birthing person's condition and helps in early identification of any potential issues. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because less frequent assessments may delay the identification of complications, potentially leading to serious consequences. Option C, in particular, is dangerous as it suggests delaying assessments when immediate postpartum monitoring is essential.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: place the person in the knee-chest position. Placing the person in this position helps alleviate pressure on the umbilical cord, reducing the risk of compression and improving fetal oxygenation. Other choices like repositioning the laboring person or administering oxygen via mask do not directly address the issue of cord prolapse. Applying pressure to the cord can further compromise blood flow to the fetus. The knee-chest position is the most appropriate intervention as it helps relieve pressure on the cord and is crucial in managing umbilical cord prolapse effectively.