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 A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
At 37 weeks, especially in gestational diabetes, fetal lungs may still be immature. Amniocentesis checks lung maturity to ensure the baby can breathe effectively if early delivery is needed due to fetal compromise.
Choice B reason:
Fetal renal function is not typically assessed through amniocentesis at term. Kidney function is monitored via ultrasound, not by analyzing amniotic fluid at 37 weeks.
Choice C reason:
Amniotic fluid glucose levels are not used to manage gestational diabetes. Maternal blood glucose is the standard for monitoring and treatment.
Choice D reason:
Congenital anomalies are usually detected earlier in pregnancy. By 37 weeks, the focus of amniocentesis is on delivery planning, not anomaly detection.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A: To minimize the patient’s oxygen needs.
A neutral thermal environment is an environment in which a neonate maintains a normal body temperature while minimizing energy expenditure and oxygen consumption.This is important for the wellbeing of neonates, especially those who are preterm or have respiratory insufficiency.
Choice B is wrong because the conversion of glucose to lactic acid is not a desired outcome of a neutral thermal environment.This conversion occurs when there is inadequate oxygen supply to the tissues, resulting in anaerobic metabolism and metabolic acidosis.
Choice C is wrong because the absorption of surfactant from the alveoli is not affected by a neutral thermal environment.
Surfactant is a substance that reduces surface tension and prevents alveolar collapse.It is produced by type II alveolar cells and secreted into the alveoli.
Choice D is wrong because the metabolism of brown fat stores is not a desired outcome of a neutral thermal environment.
Brown fat is a specialized tissue that generates heat by nonshivering thermogenesis in response to cold stress.
It is located in the nape of the neck, between the scapulae, and around the kidneys and adrenals.It increases the metabolic rate and oxygen consumption of neonates.
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