A pregnant patient is at 32 weeks gestation and reports that she feels short of breath when lying flat. What should the nurse's priority action be?

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Atrium Health Womens Care Maternal Fetal Monitoring Questions

Question 1 of 5

A pregnant patient is at 32 weeks gestation and reports that she feels short of breath when lying flat. What should the nurse's priority action be?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Encourage the patient to sit up and rest in a more upright position. This is the priority action because it helps relieve pressure on the diaphragm and allows for better lung expansion, improving oxygenation for the pregnant patient experiencing shortness of breath. Sitting upright also reduces the risk of supine hypotensive syndrome by improving blood flow to the placenta. Assessing respiratory rate and oxygen saturation (Choice A) may be important but should come after the patient is in a more comfortable position. Deep breathing exercises (Choice C) may not address the immediate relief needed for the patient. Instructing the patient to take shallow breaths (Choice D) may worsen the situation by limiting oxygen intake and exacerbating respiratory distress.

Question 2 of 5

The nurse is educating a pregnant patient on the importance of prenatal vitamins. Which statement by the patient indicates the need for further teaching?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because stopping prenatal vitamins if feeling nauseous is incorrect. Nausea is common during pregnancy, but it's important to continue taking prenatal vitamins to ensure the baby receives essential nutrients. Choices A, B, and D are correct as they emphasize the importance of prenatal vitamins for the baby's health and the need to take them daily throughout the entire pregnancy.

Question 3 of 5

The nurse is caring for a pregnant patient who is 32 weeks gestation and reports a sudden increase in vaginal discharge. What is the nurse's priority action?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assess the color, consistency, and odor of the discharge. This is the priority action because sudden increase in vaginal discharge could indicate potential issues such as infection or preterm labor. By assessing the characteristics of the discharge, the nurse can gather important information to determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate interventions. Choice B is incorrect as simply instructing the patient to rest and monitor the discharge does not address the potential seriousness of the situation. Choice C is incorrect as increasing fluid intake may not necessarily reduce the discharge and could potentially worsen the situation if there is an underlying issue. Choice D is incorrect as performing a pelvic exam should not be the initial priority without first assessing the characteristics of the discharge.

Question 4 of 5

A pregnant patient at 34 weeks gestation is experiencing heartburn. Which of the following is the nurse's most appropriate recommendation?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: Option C is the most appropriate recommendation because eating small, frequent meals and avoiding spicy or greasy foods can help reduce heartburn during pregnancy. Large meals can exacerbate heartburn, so smaller meals are easier to digest. Spicy and greasy foods can also trigger heartburn. Options A, B, and D are not recommended for managing heartburn during pregnancy. Taking antacids regularly can lead to potential risks for the developing fetus. Lying down immediately after meals can worsen heartburn due to increased intra-abdominal pressure, and avoiding fluids during meals may not necessarily prevent heartburn.

Question 5 of 5

A pregnant patient is at 30 weeks gestation and is concerned about gestational diabetes. Which of the following is a key sign that the nurse should monitor for?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Frequent urination and excessive thirst. In gestational diabetes, the body may not be able to produce enough insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. The excess sugar in the blood can cause increased thirst and frequent urination as the body tries to eliminate the sugar through urine. This is a key sign that the nurse should monitor for in a pregnant patient at 30 weeks gestation. Nausea and vomiting after meals (B) are more commonly associated with morning sickness in early pregnancy. Increased appetite and weight gain (C) can occur during pregnancy but are not specific signs of gestational diabetes. Fatigue and dizziness during physical activity (D) can be common in pregnancy due to hormonal changes and increased demands on the body but are not specific to gestational diabetes.

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