A nurse is caring for a client who is at 37 weeks of gestation and diagnosed with placenta previa. The client asks the nurse why the provider does not do an internal examination. Which of the following explanations of the primary reason should the nurse provide?

Explanation:

A. Striae gravidarum: Also known as stretch marks, striae gravidarum are common during pregnancy due to the stretching and thinning of the skin as the uterus expands. They often appear as pink or purple streaks on the abdomen, breasts, hips, and thighs.

B. Chloasma: Chloasma, also called the "mask of pregnancy," refers to hyperpigmented areas on the face, typically appearing as brown patches on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip. It is caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy and increased melanin production.

C. Linea nigra: Linea nigra is a dark line that develops vertically along the midline of the abdomen during pregnancy. It is caused by hormonal changes and increased pigmentation, and it typically fades after childbirth.

D. Eczema: Eczema, a skin condition characterized by red, itchy, and inflamed patches, may or may not be directly related to pregnancy. Some women may experience flare-ups of eczema during pregnancy due to hormonal changes or other factors, but it is not specific to the second trimester.

E. Psoriasis: Psoriasis, another skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches, may also flare up during pregnancy for some individuals. However, like eczema, it is not specific to the second trimester and can occur at any time.

Explanation:

A. "The baby's heart beat is audible by a Doppler stethoscope at 12 weeks of pregnancy."

This statement is correct. Around 12 weeks of pregnancy, the baby's heartbeat becomes audible using a Doppler stethoscope. This is a significant milestone in prenatal care as it allows healthcare providers and expectant parents to hear the baby's heartbeat for the first time, providing reassurance about fetal well-being.

B. "Very fine hairs, called lanugo, cover your baby's entire body by week 36 of pregnancy."

This statement is incorrect. Lanugo, the fine hair covering the baby's body, typically appears much earlier in pregnancy, around 20 weeks. However, it usually starts to shed during the third trimester, and by week 36, the baby may have minimal or no lanugo remaining. Therefore, stating that lanugo covers the entire body by week 36 is inaccurate.

C. "The sex of the baby is determined by week 8 of pregnancy."

This statement is incorrect. The sex of the baby is determined at conception when the sperm fertilizes the egg. However, the external genitalia are not typically visible on ultrasound until around week 16 to 20 of pregnancy. Therefore, while the genetic sex is determined early, it may not be visualized or confirmed until later in pregnancy.

D. "You will first feel your baby move in week 24 of pregnancy."

This statement is incorrect. Most women begin to feel fetal movements, also known as quickening, between weeks 16 and 25 of pregnancy. The first movements are typically felt around weeks 18 to 20, rather than specifically at week 24. Therefore, stating that the first fetal movements are felt at week 24 is not accurate.