On her first visit, a patient had a baseline hemoglobin of 13.0 gm and a hematocrit of 42.9%.She has been taking ferrous sulfate tablets and eating an iron-rich diet.She returned to the clinic at 30 weeks gestation and has a hemoglobin of 11.0 gm and a hematocrit of 36.3%.She is concerned and confused about why these lab values have gone down.
In responding, which physiological change during pregnancy should the nurse describe to the patient?

The correct answer is choice B. A multipara is a woman who has given birth more than once.

After delivery, the uterus contracts to return to its normal size and position.

However, in multiparas, the uterine muscles may be weaker and less able to contract effectively.

This can lead to a condition called uterine atony, where the uterus does not contract enough to prevent bleeding.

Uterine atony can also cause the uterus to descend into the vagina, which is called a prolapsed uterus.

Therefore, multiparas need frequent uterine fundal assessments to monitor the tone and position of the uterus and prevent complications.

Choice A is wrong because breast care teaching is important for all postpartum women, regardless of parity.

Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue that can occur in any woman who is breastfeeding or not.

It is not more common in multiparas.

Choice C is wrong because a strict toileting schedule is not necessary for multiparas.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract, usually from the urethra.

UTIs are not more common in multiparas, unless they have other risk factors such as catheterization, diabetes, or sexual activity.

Choice D is wrong because an “as needed” order for an analgesic may not be adequate for multiparas.

Pain after delivery can vary depending on the type and duration of labor, the size and position of the baby, and the use of anesthesia or episiotomy.

Multiparas may experience more pain due to stretching of the pelvic muscles and ligaments, or due to afterpains, which are contractions of the uterus that occur after delivery.

Therefore, multiparas may need regular doses of analgesics to manage their pain effectively.

A transverse lie means that the baby is lying sideways across the uterus, instead of head-down or breech.

This position makes vaginal delivery impossible and increases the risk of umbilical cord prolapse, which can compromise fetal oxygen supply.Therefore, a cesarean delivery is indicated for a fetus in a transverse lie.

Choice A is wrong because having extremely slender hips does not necessarily mean that a woman cannot deliver vaginally.

The size and shape of the pelvis, not the external appearance, determines the adequacy of the birth canal.A trial of labor may be attempted for women with borderline pelvic measurements.

Choice C is wrong because fetal hyperactivity is not a reason for a cesarean delivery.

Fetal movements may vary depending on the time of day, maternal activity, maternal blood sugar level, and other factors.Fetal well-being can be assessed by fetal heart rate monitoring and biophysical profile.

Choice D is wrong because having a posterior cervix does not indicate the need for a cesarean delivery.

A posterior cervix means that the cervix is tilted toward the back of the uterus, which may make cervical dilation slower and more painful.However, with adequate contractions and maternal pushing, the cervix can move to an anterior position and allow vaginal delivery.