A nurse is caring for a pregnant client at 36 weeks of gestation who reports low back pain and pelvic pressure.
Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
Administer a dose of tocolytic medication
Encourage the client to rest in a side-lying position
Assess fetal heart rate using a Doppler device
Assess vaginal discharge for any change
The Correct Answer is C
Assess fetal heart rate using a Doppler device.
This is because low back pain and pelvic pressure at 36 weeks of gestation may indicate preterm labor, which can affect the fetal well-being. Therefore, the nurse should assess the fetal heart rate as a priority to determine if the fetus is in distress or not.
Choice A is wrong because tocolytic medication is used to stop uterine contractions, not to relieve low back pain and pelvic pressure. Choice B is wrong because resting in a side-lying position may help with blood circulation and reduce supine hypotensive syndrome, but it does not address the possible cause of low back pain and pelvic pressure. Choice D is wrong because assessing vaginal discharge for any change may indicate infection, rupture of membranes, or cervical dilation, but it is not as urgent as assessing fetal heart rate.
Some interventions for preventing and treating low back pain and pelvic pressure during pregnancy include exercise, water-based exercise, acupuncture, osteomanipulative therapy, craniosacral therapy, and pelvic support belts.
However, these interventions should be discussed with the health care provider before starting them.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Ultrasound.
An ultrasound can help determine the gestational age, fetal growth, placental location, and amniotic fluid volume of the fetus.
These factors can affect the risk of pre-term labor and delivery.
An ultrasound can also detect cervical changes that may indicate pre-term labor.
Choice B is wrong because a blood count is not specific for pre-term labor.
It may be done to check for anemia, infection, or other conditions that may affect the pregnancy, but it does not directly assess the risk of pre-term labor.
Choice C is wrong because a urine culture is not specific for pre-term labor.
It may be done to check for urinary tract infection, which can cause pre-term labor, but it does not directly assess the risk of pre-term labor.
Choice D is wrong because an amniocentesis is not usually done for pre-term labor.
It may be done to check for fetal lung maturity, chromosomal abnormalities, or infections, but it is an invasive procedure that carries some risks and complications.
It does not directly assess the risk of pre-term labor.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
It will increase fetal lung maturity.
Betamethasone is a type of corticosteroid that is given to pregnant women who are at risk of preterm delivery between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation.It helps to improve neonatal outcomes by reducing the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome and other complications.Betamethasone works by stimulating the production and release of surfactant, a substance that lubricates the lungs and prevents them from collapsing when the baby breathes.
Choice A is wrong because betamethasone does not affect maternal blood pressure.
Choice C is wrong because betamethasone does not reduce uterine contractions.
Choice D is wrong because betamethasone does not prevent neonatal infection.
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