A nurse is collecting data from a client during a routine prenatal visit. The client is in their second trimester of pregnancy and reports feeling dizzy, has a racing heart, and becomes pale while lying on their back.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Provide the client with a glass of orange juice.
Instruct the client to take a brisk walk.
Position the client on their left side.
Check the client's temperature.
The Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C. Position the client on their left side
The symptoms of feeling dizzy, racing heart, and becoming pale while lying on their back are consistent with supine hypotensive syndrome or vena cava syndrome. This condition occurs when the pregnant uterus compresses the vena cava, reducing blood flow back to the heart and causing a drop-in blood pressure.
Positioning the client on their left side helps alleviate the pressure on the vena cava, allowing for improved blood flow and preventing further symptoms. This position optimizes blood circulation and reduces the risk of complications. The nurse should assist the client in turning onto their left side and ensure they are comfortable.
Providing the client with a glass of orange juice (option A) is not recommended as it may be helpful in cases of low blood sugar or hypoglycemia, but it is not the most appropriate action in this scenario.
Instructing the client to take a brisk walk (option B) is not recommended since physical exertion can further worsen the symptoms and increase the risk of complications.
Checking the client's temperature (option D) is not necessary as the reported symptoms are not indicative of a fever or infection.
Therefore, the most appropriate action for the nurse to take in this situation is to position the client on their left side (option C).
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
When a charge nurse observes the smell of alcohol on a nurse's breath, it raises concerns about their ability to provide safe and competent care to clients. Patient safety is of utmost importance, and the charge nurse must take immediate action to address the situation.
Removing the nurse from the client care area ensures that the nurse is not involved in direct patient care while their ability to provide safe care is in question. This step helps mitigate potential risks to patient safety.
B and D- After removing the nurse from the client care area, further actions can be taken, such as documenting the objective findings about the situation and informing the supervisor. However, the immediate priority is to ensure patient safety by removing the nurse from the care area.
A- Assigning clients to the remaining staff can be done once the situation has been addressed and a suitable replacement for the nurse has been arranged.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The nurse should intervene when the AP raises all four side-rails on the client's bed. While it is important to ensure the client's safety and minimize the risk of falls, raising all four side-rails can be considered a restraint and may not be the best practice for fall prevention. The use of physical restraints, including all four side-rails, can lead to adverse outcomes such as entrapment, increased agitation, and decreased mobility.
Locking the wheels on the client's bed: This is an appropriate action to prevent the bed from rolling and ensures stability.
Clearing furniture from the path leading to the bathroom: This is a good practice as it creates a clear and safe path for the client to walk without obstacles.
Assisting the client to the bathroom every 2 hours: This is a proactive measure to prevent falls by ensuring regular toileting and minimizing the need for the client to get up and move independently.
It's important to promote mobility and independence for the client while ensuring their safety.
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