When describing perinatal education to a pregnant woman and her partner, the nurse emphasizes which goal as the primary one?

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because marijuana is a psychoactive substance that affects the central nervous system and can cause euphoria, relaxation, altered perception, and impaired memory. It does not cause tachycardia, hypertension, or vasoconstriction in pregnant women or their fetuses.

Choice B Reason: This is correct because cocaine is a stimulant substance that affects the cardiovascular system and can cause tachycardia, hypertension, vasoconstriction, arrhythmias, and ischemia in pregnant women or their fetuses. It can also increase the risk of placental abruption, preterm labor, intrauterine growth restriction, and fetal death.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because nicotine is a stimulant substance that affects the respiratory system and can cause bronchodilation, increased heart rate, and increased blood pressure in pregnant women or their fetuses. However, it does not cause vasoconstriction, but rather vasodilation.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because caffeine is a stimulant substance that affects the central nervous system and can cause alertness, insomnia, anxiety, and increased urine output in pregnant women or their fetuses. It does not cause tachycardia, hypertension, or vasoconstriction in moderate doses.

Choice E Reason: This is incorrect because heroin is an opioid substance that affects the central nervous system and can cause euphoria, sedation, analgesia, and respiratory depression in pregnant women or their fetuses. It does not cause tachycardia, hypertension, or vasoconstriction.

Choice A Reason: This option is incorrect because it is unrealistic and impractical to eliminate anxiety completely. Anxiety is a normal and natural response to pregnancy and childbirth, and it can have both positive and negative effects on the outcome. Anxiety can motivate women and their partners to seek information and care, but it can also interfere with their ability to relax and cope with pain. Perinatal education can help them manage their anxiety by providing accurate information, reassurance, and coping strategies.

Choice B Reason: This option is incorrect because it implies that the couple has no control over their pregnancy and birth unless they are empowered by perinatal education. While perinatal education can enhance their sense of control and autonomy, it is not the only factor that influences their experience. Pregnancy and birth are complex and dynamic processes that involve many factors beyond their control, such as biological, environmental, social, and cultural factors. Perinatal education can help them adapt to these factors and collaborate with their health care providers.

Choice C Reason: Perinatal education is a process of providing information and support to pregnant women and their partners before, during, and after childbirth. The main goal of perinatal education is to help them prepare for a positive birth experience, which can have lasting benefits for their physical and emotional health, as well as their relationship with their baby. Perinatal education can also help them make informed decisions about their care and preferences, and cope with any challenges or complications that may arise.

Choice D Reason: This option is incorrect because it is too narrow and limited in scope. Providing knowledge and skills that will help them cope with labor is an important aspect of perinatal education, but it is not the primary goal. Labor is only one stage of childbirth, and perinatal education covers a broader range of topics that are relevant for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Moreover, coping with labor is not the only outcome that matters for a positive birth experience. Perinatal education can also help them achieve other outcomes, such as satisfaction, empowerment, bonding, and well-being.