A nurse in a prenatal clinic is completing a skin assessment of a client who is in the second trimester. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply.)

Explanation:

A. "Don't worry. You will be fine once the baby is born."

This response may inadvertently dismiss the client's feelings of doubt and uncertainty. It assumes that the client's concerns will automatically resolve after childbirth, which may not be the case for everyone. It lacks acknowledgment of the client's current emotional state and does not offer meaningful support or guidance.

B. "Ambivalent feelings are quite common for women early in pregnancy."

This response acknowledges the client's feelings of doubt and uncertainty as valid and common experiences during early pregnancy. It normalizes her emotions, letting her know that she is not alone in feeling this way. By providing this validation, the nurse creates a supportive environment where the client can feel understood and accepted.

C. "Perhaps you should see a counselor to discuss these feelings further."

Suggesting counseling is a proactive and supportive approach. It recognizes that the client's emotions are complex and may benefit from professional guidance. Counseling offers a safe space for the client to explore her feelings, understand their root causes, and develop coping strategies. It demonstrates the nurse's commitment to the client's emotional well-being and encourages seeking help when needed.

D. "Have you spoken to your mother about these feelings?"

While seeking support from family members can be valuable, this response may not fully address the client's emotional needs. It assumes that talking to her mother will automatically resolve her concerns, which may not always be the case. Additionally, some clients may prefer discussing sensitive issues with a neutral third party or a trained counselor who can offer unbiased support and guidance.

Explanation:

A. Women during labor and birth:

Maternity nursing does involve caring for women during labor and birth. Nurses in labor and delivery units provide support, monitoring, and assistance to women as they progress through labor and deliver their babies. This aspect of maternity nursing focuses specifically on the care of women during the active stages of childbirth, including pain management, labor progression, and ensuring a safe delivery experience.

B. Mothers and fathers during hospitalization for childbirth:

Maternity nursing also involves caring for both mothers and fathers during their hospitalization for childbirth. Nurses provide education, support, and assistance to new parents as they adjust to the postpartum period and learn to care for their newborns. This includes teaching about newborn care, breastfeeding support, postpartum recovery, and emotional support for the entire family unit.

C. Families during the childbearing process:

This choice is the most comprehensive and accurate description of the client focus in maternity nursing. Maternity nursing encompasses care for entire families during the entire childbearing process, from preconception to postpartum. This includes providing education, support, and guidance to expectant parents, assisting with childbirth, promoting bonding and attachment between parents and newborns, and addressing the physical and emotional needs of the family as they navigate the transitions of pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenthood.

D. Childbearing women during acute illness:

While maternity nursing does involve caring for childbearing women during periods of acute illness related to pregnancy or childbirth complications, this focus is more limited compared to the broader scope of caring for families throughout the entire childbearing process. Maternity nurses may be involved in managing complications such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or postpartum hemorrhage, but their role extends beyond acute illness management to include comprehensive prenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum care for women and their families.