A nurse is caring for a client who is pregnant and has suspected placenta previa. Which of the following should the nurse monitor the client for?

Choice A:
It is incorrect to state that all women will start to feel the baby move at 24 weeks. While this is a common timeframe, the exact timing of when a woman first feels fetal movements, known as quickening, can vary. Some women may feel movement as early as 16 weeks, while others may not feel it until closer to 25 weeks. Factors such as the position of the placenta, the woman's body size, and whether it is her first pregnancy can influence when she first perceives movement.
Choice B:
While the baby's sex is genetically determined at conception, it is not typically visible on ultrasound until around 18-20 weeks of gestation. This is due to the development of the external genitalia, which occurs between 11 and 14 weeks. It is not accurate to state that the sex is always definitively determined by week 8.
Choice D:
Lanugo, the fine hair that covers a fetus's body, is typically present between 14 and 20 weeks of gestation. It starts to disappear around 32-36 weeks, and most babies are born without it. Therefore, it is incorrect to say that lanugo covers the entire body at 36 weeks.
Choice C:
The fetal heartbeat can be detected by a Doppler stethoscope as early as 10-12 weeks of gestation. This is often a reassuring milestone for pregnant women, as it provides audible confirmation of the baby's presence and well-being. It is a common practice for healthcare providers to use a Doppler stethoscope during prenatal visits to assess the fetal heart rate and monitor fetal development.

Choice A rationale:

While stretching is generally safe during pregnancy, it's essential to do it gently and avoid overstretching. Overstretching can potentially lead to injuries or joint problems, as ligaments are naturally more relaxed during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. Therefore, advising caution with stretching exercises is not the most encouraging or informative response to address the client's concerns about exercise.

Choice B rationale:

Increasing weight-bearing exercises is not specifically recommended during pregnancy. While some weight-bearing exercises can be beneficial, such as walking or low-impact aerobics, it's crucial to prioritize low-impact activities that don't put excessive strain on the joints and ligaments. Excessive weight-bearing exercises can potentially lead to discomfort, fatigue, or even injury.

Choice C rationale:

This is the most appropriate response because it accurately highlights the benefits of moderate exercise during pregnancy. Regular physical activity can significantly improve circulation, which is essential for both the mother and the developing fetus. Improved circulation enhances oxygen and nutrient delivery to the fetus, promotes waste removal, and can help reduce swelling and discomfort in the mother's legs and feet.

Choice D rationale:

While resting for a few minutes after exercise is generally a good practice, it's not the most significant aspect to emphasize when addressing the client's concerns. Emphasizing the benefits of exercise itself is more likely to encourage the client to engage in physical activity.