During a regular clinic visit, a patient who is 28 weeks pregnant reports leg cramps.
The nurse teaches the patient measures to relieve the cramps. Which statement would indicate that the patient understands the teaching?
“I’ll elevate my legs to relieve my leg cramps.”.
“My husband will massage my legs when I get cramps.”.
“Stretching my legs and pointing my toes toward my knee will bring relief from the leg cramps.”
“I’ll put a cold compress on the calf of my leg when I get a cramp.”.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is choice C. Stretching your legs and pointing your toes toward your knee will bring relief from the leg cramps. This is because stretching can help relax the muscle and ease the spasm.
Choice A is wrong because elevating your legs may not help with leg cramps, and may actually worsen them by reducing blood flow to the muscles.
Choice B is wrong because massaging your legs may not be enough to relieve the cramps, and may also cause more pain if done too hard or too fast.
Choice D is wrong because putting a cold compress on the calf of your leg may not be effective for leg cramps, and may also cause more discomfort or inflammation.
Leg cramps are common during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimester. They are caused by various factors, such as pregnancy weight gain, changes in blood circulation, pressure on the nerves and blood vessels, nutrient deficiency, lack of exercise, or fluid buildup in your legs. To prevent or reduce leg cramps, you should drink plenty of water, stay active, eat a balanced diet rich in calcium, magnesium, and potassium, avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time, wear comfortable shoes and socks, and sleep on your left side with a pillow under or between your legs.
If leg cramps persist or become severe, you should consult your healthcare provider for possible treatment options.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. The administration route of terbutaline will be changed from intravenous to oral.
This is because terbutaline is a medication that can be used to suppress preterm labor by relaxing the uterine smooth muscle.It can be given subcutaneously or intravenously for acute episodes of preterm labor, but it is not recommended for long-term use due to the risk of serious maternal and fetal adverse effects.Therefore, if the client’s condition stabilizes, the administration route of terbutaline will be changed from intravenous to oral, which has a lower bioavailability and less systemic effects.
Choice A is wrong because terbutaline is not usually self-administered parenterally by the client at home.It requires a trained health professional to give it as a shot under the skin or through a vein.
Choice C is wrong because the client does not need to remain in a private room without visitors until she has been without contractions for 48 hours.
This is an unnecessary restriction that may increase the client’s stress and anxiety.
The client should be encouraged to have social support and emotional comfort during this time.
Choice D is wrong because the client should not ambulate in the hallway after 12 hours without contractions.
This may stimulate uterine activity and cause a recurrence of preterm labor.
The client should follow the provider’s instructions on bed rest and activity limitations.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today