A nurse is providing education to a client and her partner about pre-term labor.

Which intervention should the nurse include in the teaching plan to address possible outcomes and complications?

A cervical cerclage is a procedure that involves placing stitches around the cervix to prevent it from opening prematurely.This procedure is usually done for women who have a history of cervical insufficiency or a short cervix, which are risk factors for preterm labor.

Choice A is wrong because history of gestational diabetes is not a risk factor for preterm labor.

Gestational diabetes is a condition that causes high blood sugar during pregnancy and can affect the health of the mother and the baby, but it does not increase the risk of preterm labor.

Choice C is wrong because history of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) is a risk factor for preterm labor.

UTIs are infections that affect the urinary system and can cause symptoms such as pain, burning, or frequent urination.

UTIs can also spread to the kidneys or the uterus and cause inflammation or infection that can trigger preterm labor.

Choice D is wrong because history of assisted reproductive technology (ART) is a risk factor for preterm labor.

ART refers to any medical procedure that helps with conception, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).

ART can increase the risk of preterm labor because it can result in multiple gestations (twins, triplets, or more), which put more strain on the uterus and can cause it to contract prematurely.ART can also cause complications such as placenta previa or rupture of the uterus, which can lead to preterm labor.

“I will call my doctor if I have more than four contractions in an hour.” This statement indicates that the client understands the signs of preterm labor and when to seek medical attention.Preterm labor is defined as having regular contractions and cervical changes before 37 weeks of gestation.More than four contractions in an hour may indicate that preterm labor is occurring and requires prompt evaluation.

Choice A is wrong because drinking at least eight glasses of water every day is not a specific instruction for preventing preterm labor.However, dehydration can trigger contractions and should be avoided.

Choice B is wrong because lying on the back with a pillow under the knees can reduce blood flow to the uterus and the baby.This position can also increase the risk of blood clots in the legs.A better position is lying on the left side, which improves circulation and reduces pressure on the cervix.

Choice C is wrong because avoiding sexual intercourse until reaching term is not necessary for most women with a history of preterm labor.Sexual activity does not cause preterm labor or premature rupture of membranes (PROM).However, some women may be advised to abstain from sex if they have certain conditions, such as placenta previa or a short cervix.