A pregnant patient is at 30 weeks gestation and is experiencing dizziness and lightheadedness when standing. What is the nurse's first priority action?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Encourage the patient to drink fluids and rest for 10 minutes. This is the first priority action because dizziness and lightheadedness in a pregnant patient at 30 weeks gestation could be due to orthostatic hypotension, a common issue in pregnancy. Encouraging the patient to drink fluids and rest will help increase blood volume and alleviate symptoms. Choice B is incorrect because lying flat on her back can worsen symptoms due to supine hypotensive syndrome. Choice C is not the first priority as checking for anemia or monitoring blood pressure should come after addressing immediate symptoms. Choice D is incorrect because immediate delivery is not warranted based on the symptoms described.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: "I will take prenatal vitamins throughout the pregnancy to support my baby's growth." This statement indicates effective teaching because prenatal vitamins are essential for the entire duration of pregnancy to support the developing baby's growth and development. Prenatal vitamins contain key nutrients like folic acid, iron, and calcium that are crucial for the health of both the mother and the baby throughout the pregnancy. Taking prenatal vitamins only during the first trimester (option A) may not provide adequate support for the baby's growth during the entire pregnancy. Option C is incorrect because prenatal vitamins are recommended for all pregnant women, regardless of their family history of birth defects. Option D is incorrect because stopping prenatal vitamins after the baby is born does not align with the need to support the mother's postpartum health and potential breastfeeding needs.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because gentle stretching exercises help relieve muscle tension and improve circulation, alleviating leg cramps. Elevating the legs can also help reduce swelling and promote blood flow. Choice B is incorrect because while calcium is essential for muscle function, it is not the primary intervention for acute leg cramps. Choice C may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying cause of the cramps. Choice D should be avoided in pregnancy unless absolutely necessary due to potential risks to the fetus.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because performing light stretching exercises and maintaining good posture can help alleviate back pain in pregnancy. Stretching helps to relieve muscle tension and improve flexibility, while good posture reduces strain on the back. Choice B is incorrect because lying flat on the back can decrease blood flow to the uterus and may lead to dizziness and decreased oxygen supply to the fetus. Choice C is incorrect because not all over-the-counter pain medications are safe during pregnancy. It is important for pregnant women to consult their healthcare provider before taking any medication. Choice D is incorrect because prolonged bed rest can actually worsen back pain and may lead to other complications such as blood clots and muscle weakness. Staying active within limits is recommended during pregnancy.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because instructing the patient to rest in an upright position helps reduce pressure on the diaphragm, allowing for better lung expansion and improved breathing capacity. This position can alleviate the shortness of breath experienced when lying flat due to the growing uterus pressing on the diaphragm. Option A is incorrect because lying on the left side may not alleviate the pressure on the diaphragm as effectively as an upright position. Option B may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying cause. Option D focuses on symptom management rather than addressing the positional discomfort caused by the pregnancy.