A patient who is at 34 weeks gestation reports having discomfort from hemorrhoids.
The nurse discusses with the patient strategies for pregnant women who have hemorrhoids.The patient returns to the clinic in 2 weeks.Which patient statement indicates a need for further teaching regarding hemorrhoid management?
I’m walking at least a mile a day.
I found taking a small amount of mineral oil each night is helpful.
I include foods high in fiber in my diet.
I’ve started to drink one extra glass of water before I have breakfast each morning.
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is choice B. Taking mineral oil each night is not recommended for pregnant women who have hemorrhoids because it can interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and cause diarrhea, which can worsen hemorrhoids.
The patient should avoid laxatives and stool softeners unless prescribed by a health care provider.
Choice A is wrong because walking at least a mile a day can help improve blood circulation and prevent constipation, which are both beneficial for hemorrhoid management.
Choice C is wrong because including foods high in fiber in the diet can help soften stools and prevent straining, which can aggravate hemorrhoids.
Choice D is wrong because drinking one extra glass of water before breakfast each morning can help hydrate the body and prevent dehydration, which can cause hard stools and increase pressure on the anal veins.
The nurse should teach the patient other strategies for hemorrhoid management, such as applying ice packs or witch hazel pads to the affected area, using sitz baths or warm water baths, avoiding prolonged sitting or standing, and wearing cotton underwear.
The nurse should also advise the patient to report any signs of infection or bleeding to the health care provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C. Auscultate the fetal heart sounds.This is because spontaneous rupture of membranes (SROM) may be associated with fetal distress or cord prolapse, and the nurse should assess the fetal well-being as soon as possible.Fetal heart sounds can indicate the presence of fetal bradycardia, tachycardia, or decelerations, which may require immediate intervention.
Choice A is wrong because checking the specific gravity of the amniotic fluid is not a priority action after SROM.The specific gravity can help differentiate amniotic fluid from urine, but it is not as reliable as other methods such as nitrazine paper test or visual inspection.
Choice B is wrong because providing dry linens for the patient is a comfort measure, but not a priority action after SROM.The nurse should first ensure the safety of the fetus and the mother before attending to their comfort needs.
Choice D is wrong because notifying the health care provider is an important action after SROM, but not the first one.The nurse should gather relevant data such as fetal heart rate, maternal vital signs, and characteristics of the fluid before contacting the provider.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
This is because late fetal heart rate decelerations are a sign of uteroplacental insufficiency, which means that the placenta is not delivering enough oxygen and nutrients to the fetus.Oxytocin can cause uterine tachysystole, which is excessive and frequent contractions that reduce blood flow to the placenta.Therefore, stopping the oxytocin infusion can help improve placental perfusion and fetal oxygenation.
Choice A is wrong because documenting the findings is not a priority action in this situation.
The nurse should first intervene to address the cause of late decelerations and then document the actions and outcomes.
Choice C is wrong because raising the head of the patient’s bed 30 degrees does not directly affect the placental blood flow or fetal oxygenation.
It may help with maternal comfort and breathing, but it is not an essential action for late decelerations.
Choice D is wrong because notifying the health care provider is not the first action to take.The nurse should first attempt to correct the cause of late decelerations by pausing the oxytocin infusion and then notify the health care provider if there is no improvement or if there are other signs of fetal distress.
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