The nurse is educating a pregnant patient who is at 36 weeks gestation about the signs of labor. Which statement by the patient indicates effective teaching?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because reporting regular contractions occurring every 5 minutes for 1 hour is a key sign of active labor. This pattern indicates the onset of true labor and the need to seek medical attention. Explanation: 1. Regular contractions every 5 minutes indicate active labor is likely. 2. Sustained contractions for an hour suggest progression of labor. 3. Seeking medical advice is crucial for appropriate management. Incorrect Choices: B. Incorrect. Staying hydrated is important during labor to prevent dehydration. C. Incorrect. Losing the mucous plug is a sign of early labor, not an emergency. D. Incorrect. Painful contractions are not the sole indicator of active labor; regularity is key.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because gentle stretching exercises help relieve muscle tension and improve circulation, alleviating leg cramps. Elevating the legs can also help reduce swelling and promote blood flow. Choice B is incorrect because while calcium is essential for muscle function, it is not the primary intervention for acute leg cramps. Choice C may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying cause of the cramps. Choice D should be avoided in pregnancy unless absolutely necessary due to potential risks to the fetus.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because performing light stretching exercises and maintaining good posture can help alleviate back pain in pregnancy. Stretching helps to relieve muscle tension and improve flexibility, while good posture reduces strain on the back. Choice B is incorrect because lying flat on the back can decrease blood flow to the uterus and may lead to dizziness and decreased oxygen supply to the fetus. Choice C is incorrect because not all over-the-counter pain medications are safe during pregnancy. It is important for pregnant women to consult their healthcare provider before taking any medication. Choice D is incorrect because prolonged bed rest can actually worsen back pain and may lead to other complications such as blood clots and muscle weakness. Staying active within limits is recommended during pregnancy.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because instructing the patient to rest in an upright position helps reduce pressure on the diaphragm, allowing for better lung expansion and improved breathing capacity. This position can alleviate the shortness of breath experienced when lying flat due to the growing uterus pressing on the diaphragm. Option A is incorrect because lying on the left side may not alleviate the pressure on the diaphragm as effectively as an upright position. Option B may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying cause. Option D focuses on symptom management rather than addressing the positional discomfort caused by the pregnancy.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because during the early phase of labor, the primary goal of nursing care is to promote relaxation and provide comfort measures to help the mother cope with contractions and manage pain. This helps create a calm and supportive environment, enhancing the progress of labor. Administering pain medication (A) may be necessary later, not necessarily in the early phase. Monitoring fetal heart rate continuously (B) is important but not the primary goal in the early phase. Preparing for imminent delivery (D) is premature in the early phase, as labor can be lengthy.