The nurse is caring for a pregnant patient who is 35 weeks gestation and reports sharp abdominal pain and decreased fetal movement. What is the nurse's priority action?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Call the healthcare provider immediately and prepare for further assessment. This is the priority action because sharp abdominal pain and decreased fetal movement at 35 weeks gestation could indicate a serious complication such as placental abruption or fetal distress. Calling the healthcare provider promptly allows for timely intervention and assessment to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby. Encouraging the patient to drink water and rest (choice A) may not address the underlying issue. Monitoring fetal heart rate and performing a nonstress test (choice C) may be important but not as immediate as contacting the healthcare provider. Asking the patient to lie on her left side and wait for symptoms to resolve (choice D) delays necessary medical evaluation and intervention.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Painful, regular contractions. At 25 weeks gestation, experiencing painful, regular contractions could indicate preterm labor, which requires immediate medical attention to prevent premature birth. Mild back pain and cramping (choice A) are common in pregnancy and may not necessarily indicate preterm labor. Increased vaginal discharge (choice B) is also common in pregnancy and not typically a sign of preterm labor. Feeling of pelvic pressure after physical activity (choice D) is common due to the growing uterus and ligament stretching, but it is not a definitive sign of preterm labor unless accompanied by other symptoms like contractions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because sudden headache and visual disturbances in a pregnant patient at 32 weeks gestation could indicate preeclampsia. Assessing blood pressure and checking for protein in the urine are crucial steps in diagnosing preeclampsia, a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention to prevent complications for both the mother and baby. Encouraging rest, administering pain medication, or suggesting caffeinated beverages may mask symptoms but not address the underlying issue of preeclampsia. Therefore, prompt assessment and monitoring of blood pressure and urine protein levels are essential in this scenario.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Step 1: The correct answer is D because hospital support for breastfeeding is a current trend that has significantly changed since the early 1980s. Back then, breastfeeding support in hospitals was minimal or nonexistent. Step 2: Hospitals now provide extensive support for breastfeeding, including lactation consultants, education, and resources to help new mothers succeed in breastfeeding. Step 3: This change in practice is a significant departure from the past and reflects the growing awareness of the importance of breastfeeding for both the mother and the baby's health. Step 4: In contrast, choices A, B, and C are not as significant changes or trends compared to the evolution of hospital support for breastfeeding. Fetal monitoring, postpartum stay duration, and family presence during cesarean births have been around for a while and have seen some modifications, but they are not as dramatic as the shift in breastfeeding support.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Assess the patient's blood pressure and check for signs of preeclampsia. This is the priority action because sudden headache and visual changes in a pregnant patient at 28 weeks gestation could indicate preeclampsia, a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure and organ damage. Checking blood pressure and signs of preeclampsia is crucial for early detection and prompt management to prevent complications for both the mother and baby. Encouraging a warm bath, administering pain medication, or instructing the patient to rest may provide temporary relief but do not address the underlying cause of the symptoms.