The Pregnant Client Receiving Prenatal Care - LIPPINCOTT's11th Flashcards
The Pregnant Client Receiving Prenatal Care
- A primigravid client at 16 weeks’ gestation has had an amniocentesis and has received
teaching concerning signs and symptoms to report. Which statement indicates that the client needs
further teaching? - “I need to call if I start to leak fluid from my vagina.”
- “If I start bleeding, I will need to call back.”
- “If my baby does not move, I need to call my health care provider.”
- “If I start running a fever, I should let the office know.”
- At 16 weeks’ gestation, a primipara will not feel the baby moving. Quickening occurs
between 18 and 20 weeks’ gestation for a primipara and between 16 and 18 weeks’ gestation for a
multipara. Leaking fluid from the vagina should not occur until labor begins and may indicate a
rupture of the membranes. Bleeding and a fever are complications that warrant further evaluation and
should be reported at any time during the pregnancy.CN: Health promotion and maintenance; CL: Evaluate
- At 16 weeks’ gestation, a primipara will not feel the baby moving. Quickening occurs
- During a visit to the prenatal clinic, a pregnant client at 32 weeks’ gestation has heartburn.
The client needs further instruction when she says she must do what? - Avoid highly seasoned foods.
- Avoid lying down right after eating.
- Eat small, frequent meals.
- Consume liquids only between meals.
- Consuming most liquids between meals rather than at the same time as eating is an excellent
strategy to deter nausea and vomiting in pregnancy but does not relieve heartburn. During the third
trimester, progesterone causes relaxation of the sphincter and the pressure of the fetus against the
stomach increases the potential of heartburn. Avoiding highly seasoned foods, remaining in an upright
position after eating, and eating small, frequent meals are strategies to prevent heartburn.
CN: Physiological adaptation; CL: Evaluate
- Consuming most liquids between meals rather than at the same time as eating is an excellent
- The nurse is teaching a new prenatal client about her iron deficiency anemia during
pregnancy. Which statement indicates that the client needs further instruction about her anemia? - “I will need to take iron supplements now.”
- “I may have anemia because my family is of Asian descent.”
- “I am considered anemic if my hemoglobin is below 11 g/dL (110 g/L).”
- “The anemia increases the workload on my heart.”
- Iron deficiency anemia is caused by insufficient iron stores in the body, poor iron content in
the diet of the pregnant woman, or both. Other thalassemias and sickle cell anemia, rather than iron
deficiency anemia, can be associated with ethnicity but occur primarily in clients of African or
Mediterranean origin. Because red blood cells increase by about 50% during pregnancy, many clients
will need to take supplemental iron to avoid iron deficiency anemia. A pregnant client is considered
anemic when the hemoglobin is below 11 mg/dL (110 g/dL). In most types of anemia, the heart must
pump more often and harder to deliver oxygen to cells.
CN: Reduction of risk potential; CL: Evaluate
- Iron deficiency anemia is caused by insufficient iron stores in the body, poor iron content in
- Following a positive pregnancy test, a client begins discussing the changes that will occur in
the next several months with the nurse. The nurse should include which of the following information
about changes the client can anticipate in the first trimester? - Differentiating the self from the fetus.
- Enjoying the role of nurturer.
- Preparing for the reality of parenthood.
- Experiencing ambivalence about pregnancy.
- Many women in their first trimester feel ambivalent about being pregnant because of the
significant life changes that occur for most women who have a child. Ambivalence can be expressed
as a list of positive and negative consequences of having a child, consideration of financial and social
implications, and possible career changes. During the second trimester, the infant becomes a separate
individual to the mother. The mother will begin to enjoy the role of nurturer postpartum. During the
third trimester, the mother begins to prepare for parenthood and all of the tasks that parenthood
includes.
- Many women in their first trimester feel ambivalent about being pregnant because of the
CN: Health promotion and maintenance; CL: Apply
- An antenatal primigravid client has just been informed that she is carrying twins. The plan of
care includes educating the client concerning factors that put her at risk for problems during the
pregnancy. The nurse realizes the client needs further instruction when she indicates carrying twins
puts her at risk for which of the following? - Preterm labor.
- Twin-to-twin transfusion.
- Anemia.
- Group B Streptococcus.
- Group B Streptococcus is a risk factor for all pregnant women and is not limited to those
carrying twins. The multiple gestation client is at risk for preterm labor because uterine distention, a
major factor initiating preterm labor, is more likely with a twin gestation. The normal uterus is only
able to distend to a certain point and when that point is reached, labor may be initiated. Twin-to-twin
transfusion drains blood from one twin to the second and is a problem that may occur with multiple
gestation. The donor twin may become growth restricted and can have oligohydramnios while the
recipient twin may become polycythemic with polyhydramnios and develop heart failure. Anemia is a
common problem with multiple gestation clients. The mother is commonly unable to consume enough
protein, calcium, and iron to supply her needs and those of the fetuses. A maternal hemoglobin level
below 11 mg/dL (110 g/L) is considered anemic.
CN: Physiological adaptation; CL: Evaluate
- Group B Streptococcus is a risk factor for all pregnant women and is not limited to those
- A 30-year-old multigravid client has missed three periods and now visits the prenatal clinic
because she assumes she is pregnant. She is experiencing enlargement of her abdomen, a positive
pregnancy test, and changes in the pigmentation on her face and abdomen. These assessment findings
reflect this woman is experiencing a cluster of which signs of pregnancy? - Positive.
- Probable.3. Presumptive.
- Diagnostic.
- The plan of care should reflect that this woman is experiencing probable signs of
pregnancy. She may be pregnant but the signs and symptoms may have another etiology. An enlarging
abdomen and a positive pregnancy test may also be caused by tumors, hydatidiform mole, or other
disease processes as well as pregnancy. Changes in the pigmentation of the face may also be caused
by oral contraceptive use. Positive signs of pregnancy are considered diagnostic and include evident
fetal heartbeat, fetal movement felt by a trained examiner, and visualization of the fetus with
ultrasound confirmation. Presumptive signs are subjective and can have another etiology. These signs
and symptoms include lack of menses, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, urinary frequency, and breastchanges. The word “diagnostic” is not used to describe the condition of pregnancy.
CN: Physiological adaptation; CL: Analyze
- The plan of care should reflect that this woman is experiencing probable signs of
- An antenatal client receives education concerning medications that are safe to use during
pregnancy. The nurse evaluates the client’s understanding of the instructions and determines that she
needs further information when she states which of the following? - “If I am constipated, magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia) is okay but mineral oil is not.”
- “If I have heartburn, it is safe to use chewable calcium carbonate (Tums).”
- “I can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) if I have a headache.”
- “If I need to have a bowel movement, sennosides (Ex-Lax) are preferred.”
- Ex-Lax is considered too abrasive to use during pregnancy. In most instances, a Fleet
enema will be given before Ex-Lax. Medications for constipation that are considered safe during
pregnancy include compounds that produce bulk, such as Metamucil and Citrucel. Colace, Dulcolax,
and Milk of Magnesia can also be used. Mineral oil prevents the absorption of vitamins and minerals
within the GI tract. The strategies for heartburn are considered safe and Tylenol may be used as an
over-the-counter analgesic.
CN: Pharmacological and parenteral therapies; CL: Evaluate
- Ex-Lax is considered too abrasive to use during pregnancy. In most instances, a Fleet
- When preparing a 20-year-old client who reports missing one menstrual period and suspects
that she is pregnant for a radioimmunoassay pregnancy test, the nurse should tell the client which of
the following about this test? - It has a high degree of accuracy within 1 week after ovulation.
- It is identical in nature to an over-the-counter home pregnancy test.
- A positive result is considered a presumptive sign of pregnancy.
- A urine sample is needed to obtain quicker results.
- The radioimmunoassay pregnancy test, which uses an antiserum with specificity for the b-
subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in blood plasma, is highly accurate within 1 week
after ovulation. The test is performed in a laboratory. Over-the-counter or home pregnancy tests are
performed on urine and use the hemagglutination inhibition method. Radioimmunoassay tests usually
use blood serum. A positive pregnancy test is considered a probable sign of pregnancy. Certain
conditions other than pregnancy, such as choriocarcinoma, can cause increased hCG levels.
CN: Reduction of risk potential; CL: Appl
- The radioimmunoassay pregnancy test, which uses an antiserum with specificity for the b-
- After instructing a female client about the radioimmunoassay pregnancy test, the nurse
determines that the client understands the instructions when the client states that which of the
following hormones is evaluated by this test? - Prolactin.
- Follicle-stimulating hormone.
- Luteinizing hormone.
- Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
- The hormone analyzed in most pregnancy tests is hCG. In the pregnant woman, trace
amounts of hCG appear in the serum as early as 24 to 48 hours after implantation owing to the
trophoblast production of this hormone. Prolactin, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing
hormone are not used to detect pregnancy. Prolactin is the hormone secreted by the pituitary gland to
prepare the breasts for lactation. Follicle-stimulating hormone is involved in follicle maturation
during the menstrual cycle. Luteinizing hormone is responsible for stimulating ovulation.
CN: Reduction of risk potential; CL: Evaluate
- The hormone analyzed in most pregnancy tests is hCG. In the pregnant woman, trace
- Using Nägele’s rule for a client whose last normal menstrual period began on May 10, the
nurse determines that the client’s estimated date of childbirth would be which of the following? - January 13.
- January 17.
- February 13.
- February 17.
- When using Nägele’s rule to determine the estimated date of childbirth, the nurse would
count back 3 calendar months from the first day of the last menstrual period and add 7 days. This
means the client’s estimated date is February 17.
CN: Health promotion and maintenance; CL: Apply
- When using Nägele’s rule to determine the estimated date of childbirth, the nurse would
- After instructing a primigravid client about the functions of the placenta, the nurse determines
that the client needs additional teaching when she says that which of the following hormones is
produced by the placenta? - Estrogen.
- Progesterone.
- Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).
- Testosterone.
- The placenta does not produce testosterone. Human placental lactogen, hCG, estrogen, and
progesterone are hormones produced by the placenta during pregnancy. The hormone hCG stimulates
the synthesis of estrogen and progesterone early in the pregnancy until the placenta can assume this
role. Estrogen results in uterine and breast enlargement. Progesterone aids in maintaining the
endometrium, inhibiting uterine contractility, and developing the breasts for lactation. The placenta
also produces some nutrients for the embryo and exchanges oxygen, nutrients, and waste products
through the chorionic villi.
CN: Health promotion and maintenance; CL: Evaluate
- The placenta does not produce testosterone. Human placental lactogen, hCG, estrogen, and
- The nurse assesses a woman at 24 weeks’ gestation and is unable to find the fetal heart beat.
The fetal heart beat was heard at the client’s last visit 4 weeks ago. According to priority, the nurse
should do the following tasks in which order? - Call the health care provider.
- Explain that the fetal heart beat could not be found at this time.3. Obtain different equipment and recheck.
- Ask the client if the baby is or has been moving.
39.4,3,2,1. While initially continuing to attempt to find the fetal heart beat, the nurse can ask the
client if the baby has been moving. This will give a quick idea of status. The next step would be to
obtain different equipment and attempt to find the fetal heart beat again. A simple statement of fact that
the nurse cannot find the heartbeat and is taking steps to rule out equipment error is appropriate.
Calling the health care provider would be the last step after it is determined that the baby does not
have a heartbeat.CN: Reduction of risk potential; CL: Synthesize
- A primiparous client at 10 weeks’ gestation questions the nurse about the need for an
ultrasound. She states “I don’t have health insurance and I can’t afford it. I feel fine, so why should I
have the test?” The nurse should incorporate which statements as the underlying reason for
performing the ultrasound now? Select all that apply. - “We must view the gross anatomy of the fetus.”
- “We need to determine gestational age.”
- “We want to view the heart beating to determine that the fetus is viable.”
- “We must determine fetal position.”
- “We must determine that there is a sufficient nutrient supply for the fetus.”
40.1,2. Although ultrasounds are not considered part of routine care, the ultrasound is able to
confirm the pregnancy, identify the major anatomic features of the fetus and possible abnormalities,
and determine the gestational age by measuring crown-to-rump length of the embryo during the first
trimester. At this time, the ultrasound cannot confirm that the fetus is viable. The ultrasound will
provide information about fetal position; however, this information would be more important later in
the pregnancy, not during the first trimester. The ultrasound would provide no information about
nutrient supply for the fetus.
CN: Health promotion and maintenance; CL: Analyze
- A 20-year-old married client with a positive pregnancy test states, “Is it really true? I can’t
believe I’m going to have a baby!” Which of the following responses by the nurse would be most
appropriate at this time? - “Would you like some booklets on the pregnancy experience?”
- “Yes it is true. How does that make you feel?”
- “You should be delighted that you are pregnant.”
- “Weren’t you and your husband trying to have a baby?”
- This client is expressing a feeling of surprise about having a baby. Therefore, the nurse’s
best response would be to confirm the pregnancy, which is something that the client already suspects,
and then ascertain how the client is feeling now that the suspicion is confirmed. Studies have shown
that a common reaction to pregnancy is summarized as ambivalence or “someday, but not now.” Such
feelings are normal and are experienced by many women early in pregnancy. Offering a pamphlet on
pregnancy does not respond to the client’s feelings. Telling the client that she should be delighted
ignores, rather than addresses, the client’s feelings. Also, doing so imposes the nurse’s opinion on the
client. Ambivalence is a common reaction to pregnancy. Telling the client that she should be delighted
may lead to feelings of guilt. Asking the client if she and her husband were trying to have a baby is a
“yes-no” question and is not helpful. In addition, it ignores the client’s underlying feelings.
CN: Psychosocial integrity; CL: Synthesize
- This client is expressing a feeling of surprise about having a baby. Therefore, the nurse’s
- A newly diagnosed pregnant client tells the nurse, “If I’m going to have all of these
discomforts, I’m not sure I want to be pregnant!” The nurse interprets the client’s statement as an
indication of which of the following? - Fear of pregnancy outcome.
- Rejection of the pregnancy.
- Normal ambivalence.
- Inability to care for the newborn.
- Women normally experience ambivalence when pregnancy is confirmed, even if the
pregnancy was planned. Although the client’s culture may play a role in openly accepting the
pregnancy, most new mothers who have been ambivalent initially accept the reality by the end of the
first trimester. Ambivalence also may be expressed throughout the pregnancy; this is believed to be
related to the amount of physical discomfort. The nurse should become concerned and perhaps contact
a social worker if the client expresses ambivalence in the third trimester. The client’s statement
reflects ambivalence, not fear. There is no evidence to suggest or imply that the client is rejecting the
fetus. The client’s statement reflects ambivalence about the pregnancy, not her ability to care for the
newborn.
CN: Psychosocial integrity; CL: Analyze
- Women normally experience ambivalence when pregnancy is confirmed, even if the
- A client, approximately 11 weeks pregnant, and her husband are seen in the antepartal clinic.
The client’s husband tells the nurse that he has been experiencing nausea and vomiting and fatigue
along with his wife. The nurse interprets these findings as suggesting that the client’s husband is
experiencing which of the following? - Ptyalism.
- Mittelschmerz.
- Couvade syndrome.
- Pica.
- Couvade syndrome refers to the situation in which the expectant father experiences some of
the discomforts of pregnancy along with the pregnant woman as a means of identifying with the
pregnancy. Ptyalism is the term for excessive salivation. Mittelschmerz is the lower abdominal
discomfort felt by some women during ovulation. Pica refers to an oral craving for substances such as
clay or starch that some pregnant clients experience.
CN: Psychosocial integrity; CL: Analyze
- Couvade syndrome refers to the situation in which the expectant father experiences some of
- A primigravid client asks the nurse if she can continue to have a glass of wine with dinnerduring her pregnancy. Which of the following would be the nurse’s best response?
- “The effects of alcohol on a fetus during pregnancy are unknown.”
- “You should limit your consumption to beer and wine.”
- “You should abstain from drinking alcoholic beverages.”
- “You may have 1 drink of 2 oz of alcohol per day.”
- Maternal alcohol use may result in fetal alcohol syndrome, marked by mild to moderate
mental retardation, physical growth retardation, central nervous system disorders, and feeding
difficulties. Because there is no definitive answer as to how much alcohol can be safely consumed by
a pregnant woman, it is recommended that pregnant clients be taught to abstain from drinking alcohol
during pregnancy. Smoking and other medications also may affect the fetus.CN: Reduction of risk potential; CL: Apply
- Maternal alcohol use may result in fetal alcohol syndrome, marked by mild to moderate
- Examination of a primigravid client having increased vaginal secretions since becoming
pregnant reveals clear, highly acidic vaginal secretions. The client denies any perineal itching or
burning. The nurse interprets these findings as a response related to which of the following? - A decrease in vaginal glycogen stores.
- Development of a sexually transmitted disease.
- Prevention of expulsion of the cervical mucus plug.
- Control of the growth of pathologic bacteria.
- An increase in clear, highly acidic vaginal secretions is a normal finding during pregnancy
that aids in controlling the growth of pathologic bacteria. Vaginal secretions increase because of the
influence of estrogen secretion and increased vaginal and cervical vascularity. The highly acidic
nature of the vaginal secretions is caused by the action of Lactobacillus acidophilus, which increases
the lactic acid content of the secretions. The increased acidity helps to make the vagina resistant to
bacterial growth. During pregnancy, estrogen secretion fosters a glycogen-rich environment.
Unfortunately, this glycogen-rich, acidic environment fosters the development of yeast (Candida
albicans) infections, manifested by itching, burning, and a cheese-like vaginal discharge. If the client
had a sexually transmitted disease, most likely she would have additional symptoms, such as lesions
in the genital area or changes in color, consistency, or odor of the vaginal secretions. An increase in
vaginal secretions does not help prevent expulsion of the mucus plug. The mucus plug is held in place
by the cervix until the cervix becomes ripe.
CN: Health promotion and maintenance; CL: Analyze
- An increase in clear, highly acidic vaginal secretions is a normal finding during pregnancy
- When measuring the fundal height of a primigravid client at 20 weeks’ gestation, the nurse
will locate the fundal height at which of the following points? - Halfway between the client’s symphysis pubis and umbilicus.
- At about the level of the client’s umbilicus.
- Between the client’s umbilicus and xiphoid process.
- Near the client’s xiphoid process and compressing the diaphragm.
- Measurement of the client’s fundal height is a gross estimate of fetal gestational age. At 20
weeks’ gestation, the fundal height should be at about the level of the client’s umbilicus. The fundus
typically is over the symphysis pubis at 12 weeks. A fundal height measurement between these two
areas would suggest a fetus with a gestational age between 12 and 20 weeks. The fundal height
increases approximately 1 cm/week after 20 weeks’ gestation. The fundus typically reaches the
xiphoid process at approximately 36 weeks’ gestation. A fundal height between the umbilicus and the
xiphoid process would suggest a fetus with a gestational age between 20 and 36 weeks. The fundus
then commonly returns to about 4 cm below the xiphoid owing to lightening at 40 weeks.
Additionally, pressure on the diaphragm occurs late in pregnancy. Therefore, a fundal height
measurement near the xiphoid process with diaphragmatic compression suggests a fetus near the
gestational age of 36 weeks or older.
CN: Health promotion and maintenance; CL: Apply
- Measurement of the client’s fundal height is a gross estimate of fetal gestational age. At 20
- A primigravida at 8 weeks’ gestation tells the nurse that she wants an amniocentesis because
there is a history of Hemophilia A in her family. The nurse informs the client that she will need to
wait until she is at 15 weeks’ gestation for the amniocentesis. Which of the following provides the
most appropriate rationale for the nurse’s statement regarding amniocentesis at 15 weeks’ gestation? - Fetal development needs to be complete before testing.
- The volume of amniotic fluid needed for testing will be available by 15 weeks.
- Cells indicating hemophilia A are not produced until 15 weeks’ gestation.
- Fetal anomalies are associated with amniocentesis prior to 15 weeks’ gestation.
- The volume of fluid needed for amniocentesis is 15 mL and this is usually available at 15
weeks’ gestation. Fetal development continues throughout the prenatal period. Cells necessary for
testing for Hemophilia A are available during the entire pregnancy but are not accessible by
amniocentesis until 12 weeks’ gestation. Anomalies are not associated with amniocentesis testing.
CN: Reduction of risk potential; CL: Apply
- The volume of fluid needed for amniocentesis is 15 mL and this is usually available at 15
- After instructing a primigravid client about desired weight gain during pregnancy, the nurse
determines that the teaching has been successful when the client states which of the following? - “A total weight gain of approximately 20 lb (9 kg) is recommended.”
- “A weight gain of 6.6 lb (3 kg) in the second and third trimesters is considered normal.”
- “A weight gain of about 12 lb (5.5 kg) every trimester is recommended.”
- “Although it varies, a gain of 25 to 35 lb (11.4 to 14.5 kg) is about average.”
- The National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine and Health Canada recommend
that women gain 25 to 35 lb (11.5 to 14.5 kg) during pregnancy. The pattern of weight gain is as
important as the total amount of weight gained. Underweight women and women carrying twins
should have a greater weight gain. Typically, women should gain 3.5 lb (1.6 kg) during the first
trimester and then 1 lb (0.45 kg)/week during the remainder of the pregnancy (24 weeks) for a total of
about 27 to 28 lb (12.2 to 12.7 kg). A weight gain of only 6.6 lb (3 kg) in the second and third
trimesters is not normal because the client should be gaining about 1 lb (0.45 kg)/week, or 12 lb (5.4
kg) during the second and third trimesters. Gaining 12 lb (5.4 kg) during each trimester would total 36
lb (16.2 kg), which is slightly more than the recommended weight gain. In addition, nausea and
vomiting during the first trimester can contribute to a lack of appetite and smaller weight gain during
this trimester.CN: Health promotion and maintenance; CL: Evaluate
- The National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine and Health Canada recommend
- When developing a teaching plan for a client who is 8 weeks pregnant, which of the
following foods would the nurse suggest to meet the client’s need for increased folic acid? - Spinach.
- Bananas.
- Seafood.
- Yogurt.
- Green, leafy vegetables, such as asparagus, spinach, brussel sprouts, and broccoli, are rich
sources of folic acid. The pregnant woman needs to eat foods high in folic acid to prevent folic acid
deficits, which may result in neural tube defects in the newborn. A well-balanced diet must include
whole grains, dairy products, and fresh fruits; however, bananas are rich in potassium, seafood is rich
in iodine, and yogurt is rich in calcium, not folic acid.
CN: Reduction of risk potential; CL: Apply
- Green, leafy vegetables, such as asparagus, spinach, brussel sprouts, and broccoli, are rich
- The nurse instructs a primigravid client about the importance of sufficient vitamin A in her
diet. The nurse knows that the instructions have been effective when the client indicates that she
should include which of the following in her diet? - Buttermilk and cheese.2. Strawberries and broccoli.
- Egg yolks and squash.
- Oranges and tomatoes.
- Egg yolks and squash and other yellow vegetables are rich sources of vitamin A. Pregnant
women should avoid megadoses of vitamin A because fetal malformations may occur. Buttermilk and
cheese are good sources of calcium. Strawberries, broccoli, citrus fruits (such as oranges), and
tomatoes are good sources of vitamin C, not vitamin A.
CN: Basic care and comfort; CL: Evaluate
- Egg yolks and squash and other yellow vegetables are rich sources of vitamin A. Pregnant
- The nurse is discussing dietary concerns with pregnant teens. Which of the following choices
are convenient for teens yet nutritious for both the mother and fetus? Select all that apply. - Milkshake or yogurt with fresh fruit or granola bar.
- Chicken nuggets with tater tots.
- Cheese pizza with spinach and mushroom topping.
- Peanut butter with crackers and a juice drink.
- Buttery light popcorn with diet cola.
- Cheeseburger with tomato, lettuce, pickle, ketchup, and baked potato.
51.1,3,4. Dairy products, fresh fruit, vegetables, and foods high in protein (like cheese and peanut
butter) are excellent choices. Fried foods, such as chicken nuggets and tater tots, and foods such as
cheeseburgers and buttered popcorn are high in fat; carbonated drinks such as diet colas, and foods
such as pickles and ketchup contain large amounts of sodium. These foods can lead to an increase in
ankle edema and promote weight gain from empty calories.
CN: Health promotion and maintenance; CL: Apply