The nurse is assessing a pregnant patient who is 30 weeks gestation and reports severe lower back pain. What is the most appropriate intervention for the nurse to recommend?

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Question 1 of 5

The nurse is assessing a pregnant patient who is 30 weeks gestation and reports severe lower back pain. What is the most appropriate intervention for the nurse to recommend?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Encourage the patient to perform gentle stretching exercises and maintain good posture. This option promotes active management of lower back pain in pregnancy by improving muscle strength and flexibility, reducing strain on the back. Stretching exercises can help alleviate discomfort and improve posture, which are important for managing back pain during pregnancy. Option A is incorrect as lying flat on the back is contraindicated in pregnancy due to the risk of supine hypotensive syndrome. Option C is incorrect as complete bed rest is not recommended for back pain management. Option D is incorrect as over-the-counter pain medication should be used judiciously during pregnancy and is not the first-line intervention for managing back pain.

Question 2 of 5

A pregnant patient at 30 weeks gestation reports experiencing dizziness and faintness when standing up. What is the most likely cause of these symptoms?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Decreased blood pressure due to pregnancy-related changes. During pregnancy, blood vessels dilate and the growing uterus can compress the vena cava, leading to decreased blood return to the heart when standing up, causing dizziness and faintness. This condition is known as orthostatic hypotension, common in the third trimester. Low blood sugar levels (choice A) and dehydration/electrolyte imbalance (choice B) can also cause dizziness but are less likely in this scenario. Anemia and low iron levels (choice D) can lead to fatigue and weakness but are less likely to cause dizziness and faintness when standing up in this context.

Question 3 of 5

A pregnant patient at 30 weeks gestation reports lower back pain and difficulty sleeping. Which of the following is the most appropriate recommendation for the nurse to make?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Using a firm mattress and avoiding sleeping on the back is the most appropriate recommendation for a pregnant patient at 30 weeks gestation experiencing lower back pain. Here's why: 1. Firm mattress provides better support for the back and helps maintain proper spinal alignment during sleep. 2. Avoiding sleeping on the back reduces pressure on the major blood vessels, preventing potential complications like supine hypotensive syndrome. 3. Resting in bed with legs elevated (choice A) may not address the root cause of back pain and may not be recommended for extended periods during pregnancy. 4. Taking over-the-counter pain medications (choice C) should be avoided unless prescribed by a healthcare provider due to potential risks to the fetus. 5. Performing light stretching exercises (choice D) can be beneficial, but avoiding certain positions like lying on the back is more crucial for back pain relief during pregnancy.

Question 4 of 5

The nurse is caring for a pregnant patient at 34 weeks gestation who is experiencing leg cramps. What is the most appropriate recommendation for the nurse to make?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Encourage the patient to perform leg stretches and elevate the legs. Leg cramps are common in pregnancy due to increased pressure on nerves and blood vessels. Leg stretches help relieve muscle tension, and elevating the legs promotes circulation. Increasing calcium and vitamin D may be helpful but not the primary intervention. Administering pain medications and applying ice may provide temporary relief but do not address the underlying cause. Frequent walking can help strengthen leg muscles but may exacerbate cramps if done excessively.

Question 5 of 5

The nurse is educating a pregnant patient about the importance of taking prenatal vitamins. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates effective teaching?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because taking prenatal vitamins throughout pregnancy ensures the baby receives essential nutrients for growth and development. Prenatal vitamins contain key nutrients like folic acid, iron, and calcium crucial for the baby's health. Choice A is incorrect because prenatal vitamins are recommended throughout pregnancy, not just the first trimester. Choice C is incorrect as prenatal vitamins may be needed postpartum if breastfeeding. Choice D is incorrect as prenatal vitamins provide additional nutrients that may not be obtained solely from diet.

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