A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who is verbalizing their desire for natural family planning as a method of contraception. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

• Placenta previa: Placenta previa occurs later in pregnancy and is characterized by painless bright red vaginal bleeding without abdominal tenderness. The client is only 6 weeks pregnant, and placenta previa is not a concern this early in gestation.
• abruptio placentae: Abruptio placentae involves painful bleeding and a rigid uterus, usually occurring after 20 weeks' gestation. The client’s gestational age and presenting symptoms are more consistent with an early pregnancy complication rather than abruptio placentae.
• ectopic pregnancy: This occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. The client’s missed period, positive pregnancy test, right lower quadrant tenderness, and dark red vaginal spotting are classic signs of ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening emergency if rupture occurs, requiring prompt identification and management.
• acute asthma attack: While the client has a history of asthma and slight inspiratory wheezing, her respiratory status is stable with normal oxygen saturation and no signs of acute respiratory distress. Therefore, an asthma attack is not the primary concern.
• pyelonephritis: Pyelonephritis typically presents with fever, chills, flank pain, and urinary symptoms. The client’s presentation of right lower quadrant tenderness and vaginal spotting does not align with the typical findings of pyelonephritis.
• respiratory rate: The client’s respiratory rate is normal at 16/min, indicating stable respiratory function. Respiratory rate does not explain the primary concern related to abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding.
• history of regular menstrual period: While this supports that the client is late in her cycle, it is not the most direct or critical finding pointing toward the diagnosis. The focus should be on current clinical signs like abdominal tenderness.
• temperature: The client’s temperature is within normal range at 37.3°C (99.1°F), making infection less likely and not the primary concern related to her current symptoms.
• right lower quadrant abdominal tenderness: Localized tenderness in the right lower quadrant combined with vaginal spotting strongly suggests an ectopic pregnancy. This is a hallmark finding that supports the diagnosis as the growing embryo can cause irritation, stretching, or rupture of the fallopian tube.
• hyperactive bowel sounds: Hyperactive bowel sounds are nonspecific and can occur due to anxiety, mild gastrointestinal upset, or pain, but they are not diagnostic for ectopic pregnancy. The abdominal tenderness is the more significant finding.

A. Position the client's finger above their heart: The finger should be positioned below the level of the heart to encourage blood flow, making it easier to obtain a sufficient blood sample for testing. Elevating the finger would decrease blood flow and make collection more difficult.

B. Apply sterile gloves prior to performing the test: Clean, non-sterile gloves are sufficient for routine blood glucose monitoring. Sterile gloves are not necessary unless performing procedures that require a sterile environment, such as surgery or central line dressing changes.

C. Puncture the side of the client's finger: The sides of the fingertips have fewer nerve endings compared to the pads, making the procedure less painful. Additionally, puncturing the side helps promote better blood flow and reduces the risk of bruising and soreness.

D. Milk the finger site: Milking or squeezing the finger excessively can cause hemolysis or contamination of the blood sample with tissue fluid, leading to inaccurate glucose readings. Gentle pressure may be used if needed, but forceful milking should be avoided.