A woman is in her seventh month of pregnancy.
She has been reporting nasal congestion and occasional epistaxis.
The nurse suspects that.

Choice A rationale:

Ribbon-like stools are more characteristic of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or colorectal cancer, not intussusception. Intussusception is a medical emergency where one segment of the intestine telescopes into another, leading to obstruction and potentially compromised blood flow.

Choice B rationale:

Hard stools positive for guaiac are suggestive of constipation and are not specific to intussusception. In intussusception, the stool characteristics are usually not relevant to the diagnosis as the condition primarily involves intestinal obstruction.

Choice C rationale:

"Currant jelly" stools are a classic characteristic of intussusception. These stools contain mucus and blood and have a characteristic appearance due to the compromised blood flow and tissue damage in the intestines. Recognizing this stool description is crucial for identifying a potential case of intussusception.

Choice D rationale:

Loose, foul-smelling stools are not specific to intussusception. These symptoms could be indicative of various gastrointestinal issues but are not directly associated with the classic presentation of intussusception, which involves the passage of bloody mucus in the stool.

Choice A rationale:

Pouring water from a squeeze bottle over the woman's perineum is a common technique used to ease perineal discomfort after childbirth, but it does not address the issue of a full bladder preventing the uterus from contracting normally.

Choice B rationale:

Placing oil of peppermint in a bedpan under the woman is a technique used to encourage relaxation and help the woman empty her bladder spontaneously. The smell of peppermint can stimulate the relaxation of pelvic muscles, making it easier for the woman to urinate. This method is often effective in encouraging postpartum women to empty their bladders, which is important for uterine contraction and preventing postpartum hemorrhage.

Choice C rationale:

Asking the physician to prescribe analgesics may help manage pain but does not directly address the issue of a full bladder preventing normal uterine contractions.

Choice D rationale:

Inserting a sterile catheter is a medical intervention that might be necessary if the woman cannot empty her bladder spontaneously. However, it is typically considered after other non-invasive methods, such as the use of peppermint oil, have been attempted and failed. Inserting a catheter should be done with caution to avoid introducing infection and discomfort to the woman.