The nurse is preparing a teaching plan for a pregnant woman about the signs and symptoms to be reported immediately to her health care provider.
Which signs and symptoms would the nurse include? Select all that apply.

The correct answer is choice A.

Choice A rationale:

Variable decelerations are associated with problems with the umbilical cord, such as compression. This is because they occur irregularly and can happen at any time during the contraction cycle.

Choice B rationale:

Early decelerations are usually benign and are associated with fetal head compression during a uterine contraction. They are not typically indicative of a problem with the umbilical cord.

Choice C rationale:

Accelerations are usually a sign of fetal well-being and are not typically associated with umbilical cord issues.

Choice D rationale:

Late decelerations are associated with uteroplacental insufficiency, which is a decrease in the blood flow to the placenta that reduces the amount of oxygen and nutrients transferred to the fetus. They are not typically indicative of a problem with the umbilical cord.

The correct answers are choices B, E, and F.

Choice A rationale:

Nausea with vomiting during the first trimester is a common symptom of pregnancy and does not need to be reported immediately to the health care provider.

Choice B rationale:

Sudden leakage of fluid during the second trimester could indicate premature rupture of membranes, which can lead to infection and preterm labor. This should be reported immediately.

Choice C rationale:

Urinary frequency in the third trimester is a common symptom of pregnancy due to the growing uterus putting pressure on the bladder.

Choice D rationale:

Backache during the second trimester is a common symptom of pregnancy as the body adjusts to the growing uterus.

Choice E rationale:

Lower abdominal pain with shoulder pain in the first trimester could indicate an ectopic pregnancy, which is a medical emergency and should be reported immediately.

Choice F rationale:

Headache with visual changes in the third trimester could indicate preeclampsia, a serious condition that can lead to seizures, stroke, and other complications. This should be reported immediately.