A nurse is assisting with the development of an education program for a group of older adults.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Choice A rationale:

Offering toileting opportunities every 1 to 2 hours is a reasonable intervention in a bladder training program, but it should not be the first action. Before establishing a toileting schedule, the nurse should assess the client's current voiding patterns to determine the most appropriate schedule based on the client's needs.

Choice B rationale:

Assisting the client with relaxation techniques can be beneficial in managing urinary incontinence or frequency, but it should not be the first action. Understanding the client's voiding pattern and any factors contributing to their urinary issues is essential before implementing relaxation techniques.

Choice C rationale:

Determining the client's pattern for voiding is the first step in developing a tailored bladder training program. This assessment helps identify the client's specific needs and enables the nurse to create a personalized plan that addresses their issues effectively.

Choice D rationale:

Discouraging intake of carbonated beverages is a valid intervention in managing urinary incontinence or frequency, but it should not be the first action. It's important to assess the client's individual habits and patterns before making dietary recommendations.

Choice A rationale:

Severe nausea and vomiting are not typically associated with an ectopic pregnancy at 8 weeks of gestation. Instead, nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of a normal intrauterine pregnancy due to hormonal changes. Ectopic pregnancies often present with different symptoms, such as pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding.

Choice B rationale:

Pelvic pain is a common and concerning symptom of an ectopic pregnancy. It occurs because the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube, which can lead to pain and discomfort as the pregnancy progresses.

Choice C rationale:

Uterine enlargement greater than expected for gestational age is not a typical finding in an ectopic pregnancy. In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, so uterine enlargement is usually not evident or is less than expected for the gestational age.

Choice D rationale:

Copious vaginal bleeding is a possible but not specific finding in an ectopic pregnancy. While vaginal bleeding can occur, it is often not as heavy as the bleeding associated with a miscarriage or a normal intrauterine pregnancy. Pelvic pain is usually the more prominent symptom.