A nurse in an antepartum clinic is reinforcing teaching with a client who is pregnant and has a new prescription for oral ferrous sulfate. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

The correct answer is d. "I may develop discoloration on my cheeks from hormonal changes."

Choice a rationale:

• Statement:"I should expect to have burning when I urinate during the third trimester."
• Rationale:This statement is incorrect.Burning during urination is not a normal physiological change of pregnancy.It may be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI),which is a common infection during pregnancy.If a pregnant client experiences burning during urination,she should report it to her healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment.

Choice b rationale:

• Statement:"I may have an infection if I develop a dark line in the middle of my abdomen."
• Rationale:This statement is incorrect.A dark line in the middle of the abdomen,known as the linea nigra,is a normal physiological change of pregnancy.It is caused by hormonal changes that increase melanin production in the skin.The linea nigra typically appears in the second trimester and fades after delivery.

Choice c rationale:

• Statement:"I should expect my fingers and face to be swollen."
• Rationale:This statement is partially correct.Some swelling in the hands and face is common during pregnancy,especially in the third trimester.This is due to fluid retention caused by hormonal changes.However,excessive swelling,particularly in the hands and face,can be a sign of preeclampsia,a serious pregnancy complication.It's important to report any significant swelling to a healthcare provider.

Choice d rationale:

• Statement:"I may develop discoloration on my cheeks from hormonal changes."
• Rationale:This statement is correct.Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause a variety of skin changes,including melasma,which is a brownish discoloration that often appears on the cheeks,forehead,and nose.Melasma is more common in women with darker skin tones and usually fades after delivery.

Proper procedure for a heel stick includes:

A) Confirming the newborn's identity before any procedure. the nurse should confirm the newborn's identity by checking the identification band and asking the mother or caregiver to verify the name and date of birth.
E) The nurse should warm the newborn's heel by placing a warm compress or a heel warmer on the site for 3 to 5 minutes. This will increase blood flow and reduce pain.
B) Cleansing the site with an antiseptic to reduce the risk of infection. the nurse should cleanse the site with an antiseptic, such as alcohol or chlorhexidine, and let it air dry. The nurse should avoid using iodine, as it can interfere with some laboratory tests.

C) The nurse should pierce the newborn's heel with a sterile lancet, making sure to avoid the central area of the heel, where there are more nerves and bones. The nurse should use a single-use device that retracts automatically after use to prevent needlestick injuries.
D) The nurse should apply gentle pressure to the site with dry gauze to facilitate blood flow and collect the specimen in the appropriate container. The nurse should avoid squeezing or milking the site, as this can cause hemolysis or tissue damage.
E) The nurse should label the specimen with the newborn's name, date of birth, date and time of collection, and type of test. The nurse should also document the procedure in the newborn's chart, noting any difficulties or complications.