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.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Corticosteroids are given to pregnant women who are at risk of preterm labor to help mature the lungs of the fetus and reduce the risk of respiratory distress syndrome and other complications.Corticosteroids also have a protective effect on the brain and reduce the risk of bleeding and cerebral palsy.
Choice A is wrong because administering intravenous fluids is not a specific intervention to address possible outcomes and complications of preterm labor.Intravenous fluids may be given to correct dehydration or electrolyte imbalance, but they do not prevent or treat preterm labor.
Choice B is wrong because administering tocolytics is an intervention to delay preterm labor, not to address possible outcomes and complications.
Tocolytics are drugs that inhibit uterine contractions and prolong pregnancy for a short period of time, usually 24 to 48 hours, to allow for the administration of corticosteroids or the transfer of the mother to a facility with neonatal intensive care.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Magnesium sulfate IV infusion can cause various adverse effects such asflushing,headache,nauseaanddrowsiness.
These are common and expected side effects of this medication.
Choice A is wrong because magnesium sulfate IV infusion does not causediarrhea.Diarrhea is a possible side effect of oral magnesium sulfate, which is used as a laxative.
However, oral magnesium sulfate is not used to treat pre-term labor or prevent seizures.
Normal ranges of magnesium in the blood are 1.7 to 2.2 mg/dL for adults.
Magnesium sulfate IV infusion is used to treat hypomagnesemia (low levels of magnesium in the blood) or to prevent seizures in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia, eclampsia or toxemia.
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