Why is pregnancy planning important for women of childbearing age?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Pregnancy planning is crucial for women of childbearing age due to the critical period of organogenesis that occurs before a missed period, making option A the correct answer. During this time, which is typically within the first 6-8 weeks of pregnancy, major organs and structures are forming. Planning a pregnancy allows women to optimize their health before conception, reducing the risk of harmful exposures that could potentially impact fetal development during this sensitive period. Option B, insurance preapproval, is not directly related to the importance of pregnancy planning for fetal development. While insurance coverage is important for prenatal care, it is not the primary reason for planning a pregnancy. Option C, recommending a specific number of pregnancies, is not a universal guideline. The number of pregnancies a woman can have is influenced by various factors, including her health, age, and personal circumstances. There is no set limit on the number of pregnancies recommended for all women. Option D, stating that pregnancies less than 2 years apart stress the cardiovascular system, is not the primary reason for emphasizing pregnancy planning. While closely spaced pregnancies can have implications for maternal health, the focus of pregnancy planning is primarily on optimizing fetal development and maternal health before conception. In an educational context, understanding the importance of pregnancy planning highlights the need for preconception care and counseling. Educating women about the significance of preparing for pregnancy can empower them to make informed decisions that promote the best possible outcomes for both themselves and their future children. By emphasizing the critical period of organogenesis and the benefits of preconception health optimization, healthcare providers can support women in making proactive choices regarding their reproductive health.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Maternal infection. Maternal infection can lead to fetal tachycardia due to the transfer of inflammatory mediators from the mother to the fetus, causing an increase in the fetal heart rate. This physiological response is a common indicator of fetal distress in utero. A: Compression of the umbilical cord can lead to fetal distress, but it typically manifests as bradycardia rather than tachycardia. C: Compression of the fetal head can cause fetal distress, but it is more likely to result in decelerations in heart rate rather than tachycardia. D: Maternal hypertension can lead to complications during pregnancy, but it is not typically associated with fetal tachycardia.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Turn the patient to her left side. Rationale: 1. The patient's symptoms of dizziness, light-headedness, and low blood pressure (90/60) suggest hypotension, which could be due to supine hypotensive syndrome in pregnancy. 2. Turning the patient to her left side can help alleviate pressure on the vena cava, improving blood flow back to the heart and subsequently increasing blood pressure. 3. This immediate action can help prevent further complications such as decreased placental perfusion and fetal distress. Summary: - Choice A (Give the patient a bolus of intravenous fluid): While IV fluids may be needed, the priority is to address the underlying cause of hypotension first. - Choice C (Call the obstetrician or nurse midwife): While it is important to involve the healthcare provider, immediate action to address the hypotension is crucial. - Choice D (Give the patient an antiemetic medication for

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hands and knees position. This position helps relieve pressure on the lower back by allowing the baby to shift away from the mother's spine, reducing back pain. It also promotes optimal fetal positioning for labor progress. A: Supine with knees bent may worsen back labor by putting pressure on the spine. C: Lying flat on the left side does not actively alleviate back pain or assist with fetal positioning. D: Sitting upright in a chair may not provide the same relief as the hands and knees position since it doesn't encourage the baby to shift position away from the back.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Preeclampsia. In this scenario, the sudden onset of severe headache and blurry vision in a pregnant woman in labor are indicative of preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of organ damage. The nurse should assess for other symptoms of preeclampsia such as hypertension, proteinuria, edema, and epigastric pain. Preeclampsia can lead to eclampsia, seizures, and life-threatening complications for both the mother and the baby if not promptly managed. Summary: B: Fetal distress - Not the priority assessment when the mother is experiencing symptoms indicative of a serious maternal condition like preeclampsia. C: Uterine rupture - Symptoms are not suggestive of uterine rupture, which typically presents with severe abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and signs of shock. D: Placenta previa - Symptoms are not consistent with placenta previa, which typically