A pregnant couple at 14 weeks gestation has just been told that they both are carriers of an autosomal-recessive disorder.
The nurse who is providing genetic counseling should take which of the following actions?

Choice A rationale

Having the patient void is not the immediate priority. While it is important to ensure the bladder is not distended, which could interfere with labor progress, the vital signs suggest a more urgent concern.

Choice B rationale

Asking the patient if she needs pain medication is important for comfort measures during labor, but it is not the immediate priority. The nurse’s first responsibility is to ensure the safety of the mother and baby.

Choice C rationale

Turning the patient on her side and rechecking the blood pressure is the correct action. The maternal blood pressure is low, which could indicate supine hypotensive syndrome. This occurs when the gravid uterus compresses the inferior vena cava when the woman is supine, reducing venous return to the heart. Turning the woman on her side may relieve this pressure and improve blood pressure.

Choice D rationale

Notifying the healthcare provider of the findings is important, but it is not the first action the nurse should take. The nurse should first address the mother’s hypotension by turning her on her side.

Choice A rationale

Taking ferrous sulfate between meals can help increase absorption of the medication. Iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach. However, it may need to be taken with food to reduce stomach upset.

Choice B rationale

While it’s true that ferrous sulfate can cause nausea, this is not the primary reason for taking it between meals. The main goal is to enhance absorption.

Choice C rationale

There’s no evidence to suggest that taking ferrous sulfate with food increases the risk of esophagitis.

Choice D rationale

While constipation can be a side effect of ferrous sulfate, taking it between meals does not necessarily prevent this.