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.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: Step 1: Assess characteristics of discharge - determining color and odor helps identify if it's normal or concerning. Step 2: Based on assessment, decide next steps - presence of abnormal color or odor may indicate infection or other issues. Step 3: Implement appropriate interventions - further evaluation or treatment as needed. Summary: - B: Resting and monitoring alone may not address the underlying cause of increased discharge. - C: While tracking amount is important, it doesn't provide immediate information on potential infection. - D: Performing a pelvic exam should come after initial assessment of discharge characteristics to guide further actions.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because maintaining a balanced diet and monitoring blood glucose levels regularly are essential in managing gestational diabetes. A balanced diet helps regulate blood sugar levels, and monitoring glucose levels helps track responses to dietary choices. Choice B is incorrect as physical activity is beneficial for managing blood sugar. Choice C is unnecessary for gestational diabetes unless dietary and lifestyle modifications are insufficient. Choice D is incorrect as carbohydrates are still needed for energy but should be consumed in moderation with monitoring.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: fetal descent. During the second stage of labor, assessing fetal descent is crucial to monitor progress. This data helps determine if the baby is moving down the birth canal appropriately. Fetal descent indicates the effectiveness of contractions and pushing efforts. It is a key indicator of labor progression. Rationale: - A: Fetal heart rate is important but primarily assesses fetal well-being, not progress during the second stage of labor. - C: Bearing-down effort is relevant for pushing but does not directly measure progress in terms of fetal descent. - D: Contraction strength is essential but does not specifically indicate the progress of the baby's descent in the birth canal during the second stage of labor.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because a second-degree perineal laceration extends through the vaginal mucosa and perineal muscles. First, a second-degree laceration involves more than just the vaginal mucosa, as it also affects the perineal muscles. This type of laceration is more severe than a first-degree laceration, which only involves the vaginal mucosa. Second, due to the involvement of deeper structures like the perineal muscles, suturing is typically required to promote proper healing and prevent complications. Therefore, choice B is correct. Choices A and C are incorrect because a second-degree laceration involves more than just the vaginal mucosa and is not the least severe type of laceration. Choice D is incorrect because suturing is usually necessary for second-degree lacerations.