A couple who has had difficulty conceiving confides in the nurse at the infertility clinic that they feel overwhelmed with the decisions that face them. Which of the following nursing strategies would be most appropriate and therapeutic?
Select one:

Choice A Reason: Vascular spider veins. This is an incorrect answer that refers to a different skin change that occurs during pregnancy, which affects the blood vessels, not the pigment. Vascular spider veins are small red or purple clusters of blood vessels that appear on the skin, especially on the face, neck, chest, or legs. Vascular spider veins are caused by increased blood volume and hormonal changes, which dilate and rupture the capillaries. Vascular spider veins are harmless and usually disappear after delivery.

Choice B Reason: Linea nigra. This is because linea nigra is a term that refers to a darkened vertical line that appears on the abdomen during pregnancy, which runs from the umbilicus to the pubis. Linea nigra is caused by increased production of melanin, which is a pigment that gives color to the skin and hair. Linea nigra is more common and noticeable in women with darker skin tones, and it usually fades after delivery.

Choice C Reason: Melasma. This is an incorrect answer that refers to a different skin change that occurs during pregnancy, which affects the pigment, but not in a linear patern. Melasma is a term that refers to patches of brown or gray-brown discoloration that appear on the face, especially on the forehead, cheeks, nose, or upper lip. Melasma is also caused by increased production of melanin, but it is influenced by sun exposure and genetic factors. Melasma is also known as chloasma or the mask of pregnancy, and it may persist after delivery.

Choice D Reason: Striae gravidarum. This is an incorrect answer that refers to a different skin change that occurs during pregnancy, which affects the connective tissue, not the pigment. Striae gravidarum are stretch marks that appear on the skin, especially on the abdomen, breasts, hips, or thighs. Striae gravidarum are caused by rapid growth and stretching of the skin, which damage the collagen and elastin fibers. Striae gravidarum are initially red or purple, but they fade to white or silver after delivery.

Choice A Reason: A fetal heart rate baseline of 140 with one acceleration to 155 for 15 seconds within 30 minutes. This is an incorrect answer that indicates a non-reactive NST, which is a test that does not meet the criteria for a reactive NST. A non-reactive NST may suggest fetal hypoxia, distress, or sleep, but it does not necessarily indicate a problem. A non-reactive NST may require further testing or stimulation to elicit a reactive result.

Choice B Reason A fetal heart rate baseline of 140 with two accelerations to 160 for 15 seconds within 20 minutes. This is because this strip meets the criteria for a reactive NST, which is a non-invasive test that evaluates fetal well- being and oxygenation by measuring the fetal heart rate response to fetal movements. A reactive NST is defined as having at least two accelerations of the fetal heart rate that are at least 15 beats per minute above the baseline and last for at least 15 seconds within a 20-minute period.

Choice C Reason: A fetal heart rate baseline of 130 with two accelerations to 135 for 15 seconds within 20 minutes. This is an incorrect answer that indicates a non-reactive NST, which is a test that does not meet the criteria for a reactive NST. The accelerations in this strip are not sufficient in amplitude, as they are only 5 beats per minute above the baseline, instead of at least 15 beats per minute.

Choice D Reason: A fetal heart rate baseline of 150 with two accelerations to 160 for 10 seconds within 20 minutes. This is an incorrect answer that indicates a non-reactive NST, which is a test that does not meet the criteria for a reactive NST. The accelerations in this strip are not sufficient in duration, as they last only for 10 seconds, instead of at least 15 seconds.