What is the best nursing intervention for a pregnant woman in her third trimester who complains of feeling faint, dizzy, and agitated while her vital signs are being assessed?
Have the patient stand up and retake her blood pressure.
Have the patient lie supine for 5 minutes and recheck her blood pressure on both arms.
Have the patient sit down and hold her arm in a dependent position.
Have the patient turn to her left side and recheck her blood pressure in 5 minutes.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: This is not a good intervention, as it may worsen the symptoms of faintness, dizziness, and agitation. Standing up can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension), which can reduce the blood flow to the brain and the fetus. This can cause lightheadedness, blurred vision, and loss of consciousness in the woman, as well as fetal distress or hypoxia.
Choice B reason: This is not a good intervention, as it may also worsen the symptoms of faintness, dizziness, and agitation. Lying supine can cause compression of the inferior vena cava (a large vein that returns blood to the heart) by the gravid uterus, which can reduce the cardiac output (the amount of blood pumped by the heart) and the blood pressure. This can cause nausea, sweating, and visual disturbances in the woman, as well as fetal distress or hypoxia.
Choice C reason: This is not a good intervention, as it may not improve the symptoms of faintness, dizziness, and agitation. Sitting down and holding the arm in a dependent position can lower the blood pressure in the arm, but not in the rest of the body. This can cause inaccurate readings of the blood pressure and delay the detection of hypotension or hypertension. This can also cause discomfort and pain in the arm due to impaired circulation.
Choice D reason: This is the best intervention, as it can relieve the symptoms of faintness, dizziness, and agitation by improving the blood flow to the brain and the fetus. Turning to the left side can reduce the pressure of the uterus on the inferior vena cava and increase the cardiac output and the blood pressure. This can also optimize the placental perfusion (the blood flow to the placenta) and the fetal oxygenation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Progesterone is the hormone that stimulates the development of the alveoli and lobules of the mammary glands during pregnancy. It prepares the breasts for lactation by increasing the number and size of the milk-producing cells.
Choice B reason: Testosterone is the main male sex hormone that is responsible for the development of male reproductive organs and secondary sex characteristics. It has no direct role in the maturation of mammary gland tissue.
Choice C reason: Prolactin is the hormone that initiates and maintains milk production after childbirth. It is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland in response to suckling or nipple stimulation. It does not affect the maturation of mammary gland tissue.
Choice D reason: Estrogen is the hormone that stimulates the growth of the duct system of the mammary glands during puberty and pregnancy. It also promotes the development of female reproductive organs and secondary sex characteristics. It does not affect the maturation of mammary gland tissue.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: She will not be unable to conceive in the future, as ectopic pregnancy does not necessarily affect her fertility. However, she may have a higher risk of having another ectopic pregnancy or infertility if the fallopian tube is damaged or removed.
Choice B reason: A D&C (dilation and curettage) will not be performed to remove the products of conception, as this procedure is used to empty the uterus, not the fallopian tube. The treatment for ectopic pregnancy may include medication, surgery, or expectant management, depending on the location, size, and viability of the pregnancy.
Choice C reason: Bed rest and analgesics are not the recommended treatment for ectopic pregnancy, as they do not address the underlying cause or prevent complications. Ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency that requires prompt intervention to prevent rupture, bleeding, and shock.
Choice D reason: Hemorrhage is the major concern for ectopic pregnancy, as the pregnancy can rupture the fallopian tube and cause severe bleeding into the abdominal cavity. This can lead to hypovolemic shock, which is a life-threatening condition.
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