A woman with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus comes to the clinic for evaluation. The woman tells the nurse that she and her partner would like to have a baby but that they are afraid her lupus will be a problem. Which response would be most appropriate for the nurse to make?
Be sure that your lupus is stable or in remission for 6 months before getting pregnant.
It's probably not a good idea for you to get pregnant since you have lupus.
Your lupus will not have any effect on your pregnancy whatsoever.
When you get pregnant we'll have to add quite a few medications to your normal treatment plan.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason: This is correct because this response provides realistic and supportive advice for a woman who wants to have a baby with lupus. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and damage to various organs and tissues. Lupus can affect fertility and pregnancy outcomes, such as increasing the risk of miscarriage, preterm delivery, preeclampsia, or neonatal lupus. Therefore, it is important for the woman to have her lupus under control before conceiving and to consult with her doctor about her treatment plan and prenatal care.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because this response is discouraging and insensitive for the woman who wants to have a baby with lupus. Lupus does not necessarily prevent a woman from having a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby, as long as she follows her doctor's recommendations and monitors her condition closely. The nurse should respect the woman's reproductive choices and provide information and support.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because this response is inaccurate and misleading for the woman who wants to have a baby with lupus. Lupus can have various effects on pregnancy, such as causing flares or complications that can affect both the mother and the baby. The nurse should educate the woman about the possible risks and benefits of pregnancy with lupus and help her prepare for any challenges.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because this response is vague and alarming for the woman who wants to have a baby with lupus. Lupus treatment may or may not change during pregnancy, depending on the type and severity of lupus, the medications used, and the stage of pregnancy. The nurse should explain the rationale and safety of any medication changes and address any concerns or questions that the woman may have.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because ultrasound visualization of the fetus is a positive sign of pregnancy, not a probable sign. A positive sign of pregnancy is a direct and definitive evidence of the presence of a fetus, such as fetal movement felt by the examiner or fetal heart sounds heard by a Doppler device.
Choice B Reason: This is correct because softening of the cervix, also known as Goodell's sign, is a probable sign of pregnancy. A probable sign of pregnancy is a strong indication of pregnancy based on physical changes in the reproductive organs, such as enlargement of the uterus or changes in the shape and consistency of the cervix.
Choice C Reason: This is correct because a positive pregnancy test, which detects human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in urine or blood, is a probable sign of pregnancy. However, it is not a conclusive sign, as hCG can also be produced by other conditions such as ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, or trophoblastic tumors.
Choice D Reason: This is correct because absence of menstruation, also known as amenorrhea, is a probable sign of pregnancy. It occurs when ovulation and menstruation cease due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. However, it is not a definitive sign, as amenorrhea can also be caused by other factors such as stress, illness, or hormonal imbalances.
Choice E Reason: This is correct because ballottement, which is a rebounding of the fetus against the examiner's fingers during a pelvic examination, is a probable sign of pregnancy. It can be felt around 16 to 20 weeks of gestation.
Choice F Reason: This is incorrect because auscultation of a fetal heart beat, which can be heard by a fetoscope around 18 to 20 weeks of gestation or by a Doppler device around 10 to 12 weeks of gestation, is a positive sign of pregnancy, not a probable sign.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: Vitamin E requirements do not decrease during pregnancy due to the increase in body fat. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant and protects cell membranes from oxidative damage. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin E during pregnancy is 15 mg/day, which is the same as for non-pregnant women.
Choice B: Prenatal vitamins will meet your need for increased folic acid during pregnancy. Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for DNA synthesis and cell division. Folic acid deficiency can cause neural tube defects in the fetus, such as spina bifida and anencephaly. The RDA for folic acid during pregnancy is 600 mcg/day, which can be obtained from prenatal vitamins and fortified foods.
Choice C: You will not need to double your intake of protein during pregnancy. Protein is a macronutrient that provides amino acids for tissue growth and repair. The RDA for protein during pregnancy is 1.1 g/kg/day, which is only slightly higher than for non-pregnant women (0.8 g/kg/day).
Choice D: You will not need to increase your intake of calcium during pregnancy. Calcium is a mineral that is important for bone health and muscle contraction. Calcium absorption and retention are enhanced during pregnancy, so there is no need to increase the intake above the RDA of 1000 mg/day for women aged 19 to 50 years.
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