The nurse states to the newly pregnant patient, 'Tell me how you feel about being pregnant.' Which communication technique is the nurse using with this patient?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse is using the communication technique of clarifying with the newly pregnant patient. Clarifying involves seeking further information or understanding from the patient to ensure clear communication. By asking the patient to express how she feels about being pregnant, the nurse is prompting the patient to elaborate and clarify her emotions, thoughts, and concerns related to her pregnancy. The other options are incorrect in this context: - Paraphrasing involves restating the patient's words in the nurse's own words to ensure understanding, which is not happening in this scenario. - Reflection involves mirroring the patient's feelings or content back to them, which is not occurring here. - Structuring involves organizing and outlining information, which is not the nurse's intent in this situation. Educationally, understanding different communication techniques is crucial for healthcare professionals to build rapport, gather information effectively, and provide patient-centered care. Clarifying helps nurses obtain a deeper understanding of the patient's perspective, which is essential in providing appropriate support and guidance during the prenatal period.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of maternal and reproductive health, it is crucial for nurses to have a comprehensive understanding of complementary and alternative therapies that their patients might be utilizing. Option C, taking omeprazole (Prilosec) once a day, is the correct answer to document as an alternative or complementary therapy practice. Omeprazole is a medication used to treat gastric issues and is not typically categorized as a complementary or alternative therapy. Option A, practicing yoga daily, is a well-known complementary therapy that can benefit maternal and reproductive health clients by reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Option B, drinking green tea in the morning, may also have health benefits but is not considered an alternative or complementary therapy in the same way that yoga is. Option D, using aromatherapy during a relaxing bath, is a form of complementary therapy that can promote relaxation and stress reduction, but it is not the correct answer in this case. It is essential for nurses to be able to differentiate between conventional treatments, complementary therapies, and alternative practices to provide holistic and individualized care to maternal and reproductive health clients.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the context of maternal and reproductive health, the correct answer is D) Vital signs on a postpartum patient who delivered the night before. Delegating vital signs to a UAP is appropriate as it is a task that does not require nursing judgment or interpretation of results. This task is routine, measurable, and does not involve complex decision-making. Option A, teaching the patient about breast care, involves providing education and requires knowledge and assessment skills beyond the scope of a UAP. Option B, assessment of a patient's lochia and perineal area, requires a higher level of assessment skills and interpretation, which should be performed by a licensed nurse. Option C, assisting a patient to the bathroom for the first time after birth, involves physical assistance and potential risk for complications that are better managed by a nurse. Understanding the principles of delegation is crucial for safe and effective patient care. Nurses must delegate tasks based on the UAP's scope of practice, training, and competency, ensuring that tasks are appropriate for delegation and that the patient's safety is maintained. Nurses should prioritize tasks that are routine, non-invasive, and do not require nursing judgment for delegation to unlicensed personnel, while retaining more complex assessments and interventions within the nursing scope of practice.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Ensuring early and adequate prenatal care. This option has the greatest impact on decreasing infant mortality rates because prenatal care plays a crucial role in monitoring the health of both the mother and the developing fetus. Early and regular prenatal care allows healthcare providers to identify and address any potential risks or complications, leading to better outcomes for both the mother and the baby. It helps in detecting and managing conditions such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, or infections that could impact the health of the baby. Option A) Providing more women's shelters, while important for addressing social issues affecting maternal health, does not directly impact infant mortality rates as significantly as prenatal care. Option C) Resolving all language and cultural differences is essential for providing culturally competent care, but it is not the primary factor in reducing infant mortality rates. Option D) Enrolling pregnant women in the Medicaid program by their eighth month of pregnancy is important for ensuring access to healthcare services, but late enrollment may still result in missed opportunities for early prenatal care, which is crucial for reducing infant mortality rates. In an educational context, it is important for healthcare professionals working in maternal and reproductive health to understand the critical role of early and adequate prenatal care in improving outcomes for both mothers and infants. By emphasizing the importance of prenatal care in reducing infant mortality rates, healthcare providers can work towards ensuring better health outcomes for pregnant women and their babies.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) Analysis. When a nurse is determining whether an ethical dilemma exists, they are engaging in critical thinking and analysis to assess the situation thoroughly. This step involves breaking down the problem, examining all relevant factors, and identifying the ethical considerations at play. Option B) Planning is not the correct answer because planning comes after the problem has been analyzed and a decision has been made. Planning involves determining the course of action to address the identified issue, which follows the analysis phase. Option C) Evaluation is also incorrect in this context. Evaluation occurs after the intervention has been implemented to assess its effectiveness in resolving the ethical dilemma. It is not the step used to determine the existence of an ethical issue. Option D) Assessment is not the correct answer because assessment involves collecting data and information about the client's health status, needs, and concerns. It is the initial step of the nursing process, which precedes the identification of ethical dilemmas. Educationally, understanding the nursing process and its various steps is crucial for nurses to provide effective and ethical care. By mastering each step - assessment, analysis, planning, implementation, and evaluation - nurses can systematically address client needs, including ethical concerns, to promote the best outcomes for their patients.