The nurse is assessing a pregnant patient who is at 32 weeks gestation and is concerned about leg cramps. Which intervention should the nurse recommend?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Perform gentle stretching exercises to reduce muscle tension. Leg cramps during pregnancy are common due to increased weight and pressure on muscles. Gentle stretching exercises can help relieve tension and improve circulation, reducing the likelihood of cramps. Applying heat (choice A) can worsen swelling in pregnancy. Increasing calcium intake (choice C) can help prevent cramps but is not an immediate intervention. Lying down and elevating legs (choice D) can provide temporary relief but may not address the underlying muscle tension.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assess the patient's hemoglobin levels to check for anemia. 1. During pregnancy, anemia is common due to increased blood volume and demands. Fatigue and weakness are common symptoms. 2. Anemia can lead to complications for both the mother and baby if left untreated. 3. Assessing hemoglobin levels will help determine if anemia is present and guide appropriate interventions. 4. Prompt treatment of anemia can improve symptoms and prevent adverse outcomes. Summary: B: Increasing physical activity may exacerbate fatigue if anemia is present. C: Resting is important, but addressing the underlying cause of fatigue is crucial. D: A high-calorie diet may not address the root cause of fatigue and could potentially worsen anemia if not properly managed.

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.

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.

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.