A nurse is speaking with a client who is addicted to heroin and who just learned that she is pregnant. The client states, "I just started taking methadone. Is there anything else I can do to make sure my baby is healthy? Which information should the nurse provide?
Describe genetic testing protocols
Discontinue the methadone right away
Sign up for group therapy sessions
Start a prenatal care plan as soon as possible
The Correct Answer is D
A. Describe genetic testing protocols: While genetic testing may be part of prenatal care, it's not the primary concern for a pregnant woman addicted to heroin. The focus should be on managing the addiction and promoting a healthy pregnancy.
B. Discontinue the methadone right away: Abruptly stopping methadone, or any opioid replacement therapy, can lead to withdrawal symptoms, which can be harmful to both the mother and the fetus. It's crucial for pregnant individuals on methadone to work closely with their healthcare provider to manage the transition.
C. Sign up for group therapy sessions: Group therapy can be a supportive intervention for individuals dealing with addiction, but it should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes medical management.
D. Start a prenatal care plan as soon as possible: This is the most appropriate choice. Prenatal care is crucial for monitoring the health of both the mother and the baby. Starting early allows healthcare providers to address any potential issues and provide necessary support. This includes managing the mother's opioid addiction through medications like methadone, which can be administered under close medical supervision during pregnancy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Level of pain sensation:
This is important for assessing the effectiveness of the epidural anesthesia, but it's not the most critical assessment immediately after administration.
Variability of fetal heart rate:
Monitoring fetal heart rate is always important, but immediately following epidural administration, the maternal blood pressure is a more immediate concern.
Maternal blood pressure:
This is the most critical assessment after epidural administration. Epidurals can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, which may affect blood flow to the baby.
Station of presenting part:
The station of the presenting part (the position of the baby's head in relation to the ischial spines) is important for assessing progress in labor, but it's not the most crucial assessment immediately after epidural administration.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Notify the healthcare provider of the complaint: While it's important for the healthcare provider to be aware of any changes or symptoms the client is experiencing, the described discharge is commonly associated with normal physiological changes in pregnancy.
B. Recommend an over-the-counter yeast medication: The characteristics of the discharge described (white, thin, and watery) are not typical of a yeast infection. Using over-the-counter medications without proper assessment can lead to unnecessary treatment.
C. Inform her that this is a normal physiological change: This is the most appropriate action. Increased vaginal discharge, often described as leukorrhea, is a common and normal change during pregnancy. It's generally thin, white, and watery.
D. Prepare the client for a sterile speculum exam: A sterile speculum exam may be indicated if there are other concerning symptoms or if the discharge changes in color, consistency, or if there is associated itching or foul odor. However, based on the information provided, it's not the first-line action.
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