306 Ricci Chapter 11: Maternal Adaptation During Pregnancy

A pregnant client reports an increase in a thick, whitish vaginal discharge. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?

"This discharge is normal during pregnancy" During pregnancy, vaginal secretions become more acidic, white, and thick. Most women experience an increase in a whitish vaginal discharge, called leukorrhea, during pregnancy. The nurse should inform the client that the vaginal discharge is normal except when it is accompanied by itching and irritation, possibly suggesting Candida albicans infection (a monilial vaginitis), which is a very common occurrence in this glycogen-rich environment. Monilial vaginitis is a benign fungal condition and is treated with local antifungal agents. The client need not refrain from sexual activity when there is an increase in a thick, whitish vaginal discharge.

A woman comes to the prenatal clinic and undergoes a pelvic exam. The doctor notes a softening of the uterine isthmus. The nurse recognizes that this finding is known as what sign?

Hegar sign The Hegar sign is one of three signs that can be noted by a digital pelvic exam and involves the softening of the lower uterine segment. This is one of the probable signs of pregnancy, along with a positive Chadwick sign and Goodell sign.

The nurse is assessing a pregnant client at 12 weeks' gestation and the client reports some new bumps on the dark part of her nipples. What is the best response from the nurse when questioned by the client as to what they are?

Montgomery glands (Montgomery tubercles); secrete lubricant for the nipples All women have Montgomery glands (Montgomery tubercles). They become more prominent during pregnancy and help to prepare the nipples for breastfeeding. The bumps are not specific to pregnancy and are not a sign of cancer. They are not the result of stretching.

A pregnant mother may experience constipation and the increased pressure in the veins below the uterus can lead to development of what problem?

hemorrhoid's The displacement of the intestines and possible slowed motility of the intestines can lead to constipation in the pregnant woman. This, along with elevated venous pressure, can lead to development of hemorrhoids.

A client calls to cancel an appointment for the first prenatal visit after reporting a home pregnancy test is negative. Which instruction should the nurse prioritize?

keep the appointment Although home pregnancy tests are accurate 95% of the time, they may still have false positives or false negatives, and the client needs to seek prenatal care and confirmation from her health care provider. Diluting the urine, waiting to miss a second period, or eating before the test would have no effect. The tests look for hCG, which is not affected.

The nurse is teaching the pregnant woman about nutrition for herself and her baby. Which statement by the woman indicates that the teaching was effective?

"I will need to take iron supplementation throughout my pregnancy even if I am not anemic" Iron is recommended for all pregnant women because it is almost impossible for the pregnant woman to get what is required from diet alone, especially after 20 weeks' gestation when the requirements of the fetus increase. Pregnant women can get many nutrients from seafood including phosphorus, but there are specific recommendations about types of fish to avoid because of the risk of mercury poisoning. Milk production actually requires higher levels of zinc, which can be obtained from a healthy diet. Calcium requirements do not increase above prepregnancy levels during pregnancy because calcium absorption is enhanced during pregnancy. It can be unsafe for the pregnant woman to eat anything she wants and gain too much weight. A woman who gains too much weight during pregnancy is at risk for delivering a macrosomic baby.

A client in her second trimester of pregnancy arrives at the health care facility for a routine follow-up visit. The nurse is required to educate the client so that the client knows what to expect during her second trimester. Which information should the nurse offer?

"You will experience quickening and actually feel the baby" The nurse should inform the client that quickening occurs in the second trimester. The client will be able to physically feel the fetal movements, which will help her bond with her developing fetus. Physical discomfort actually starts to increase in the third trimester as the fetus grows rapidly. The client feels conscious of the changes taking place in her body due to her pregnancy primarily in the first trimester, not the second. The client is likely to have mood swings in the first trimester of the pregnancy, which can be very overwhelming for the client as well as her partner.

The nurse obtains a human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) level from a woman who thinks that she is pregnant. Which result would the nurse identify as a positive pregnancy result?

32 mlU/ml (32 UI/ml) An hCG level lower than 5 mIU/mL (5 IU/l) is considered negative for pregnancy, and anything higher than 25 mIU/mL (25 IU/l) is considered positive for pregnancy.

Before becoming pregnant, a woman's heart rate averaged 72 beats per minute. The woman is now 15 weeks' pregnant. The nurse would expect this woman's heart rate to be approximately:

85 beats During pregnancy, heart rate increases by 10 to 15 beats per minute between 14 and 20 weeks of gestation, and this elevation persists to term. Therefore, a prepregnancy heart rate of 72 would increase by 10 to 15 beats per minute to a rate of 82 to 87 beats per minute.

The nurse is caring for a young couple who are expecting their first baby. They are experiencing the phenomenon known as couvade syndrome. What can the nurse explain to this family to help them understand this syndrome?

Couvade syndrome is when the partner begins to experience the same physical symptoms as the pregnant woman experiences. The phenomenon known as couvade syndrome occurs when the partner experiences physical symptoms to the same degree as, or even more than, the pregnant woman. Narcissism is when the woman becomes self-centered based on the new pregnancy. Couvade syndrome is usually healthy and reflects a close marital relationship with an involved partner. It is not a problem unless symptoms become extreme.

A nurse is assessing a pregnant client. The nurse understands that hormonal changes occur during pregnancy. Which hormones would the nurse most likely identify as being inhibited during the pregnancy?

FSH and LH During pregnancy, FSH and LH are both inhibited as there is no need to develop a follicle and release an ovum. There is an increase in the secretion of T4 and MSH. There is a decrease in the production of GH and MSH but not an inhibition.

The nurse is performing an assessment of a woman who has come to a health care facility for a diagnosis of pregnancy. The women is positive for breast changes, nausea, and amenorrhea. On physical exam, it is noted that the client has softening of the cervix. How should the nurse document this in her notes?

Goodell sign The description of a Goodell sign is softening of the cervix. Ballottement is when tapping the lower uterine segment on a bimanual exam elicits the fetus to rise against the abdominal wall. Chadwick sign is when the vagina changes color from pink to violet. Hegar sign is softening of the lower uterine segment.

A woman in her second trimester comes to the clinic for a routine follow-up visit. The woman's prepregnancy blood pressure was 112/70 mm Hg. On this visit, the woman's blood pressure is 104/64 mm Hg. The nurse would interpret this finding as suggestive of which event?

a normal finding secondary to progesterone effects Blood pressure, especially the diastolic pressure, declines slightly during pregnancy as a result of peripheral vasodilation caused by progesterone. It usually reaches a low point mid-pregnancy and thereafter increases to prepregnancy levels until term. During the first trimester, blood pressure typically remains at the prepregnancy level. During the second trimester, the blood pressure decreases 5 to 10 mm Hg and thereafter returns to first-trimester levels. This decrease in blood pressure begins at about 7 weeks' gestation and persists until 32 weeks' gestation, when it begins to rise to prepregnancy levels. The client's blood pressure suggests a normal finding related to peripheral vasodilation from progesterone. Any significant rise in blood pressure during pregnancy should be investigated to rule out gestational hypertension. Gestational hypertension is a clinical diagnosis defined by the new onset of hypertension (systolic of 140 mm Hg or higher and/or diastolic of 90 mm Hg or higher) after 20 weeks' gestation. A lower blood pressure does not suggest anemia. Orthostatic hypotension occurs when the blood pressure drops more than 20 mm Hg systolic or 10 mm Hg diastolic with a change in position, such as going from a lying to a standing position.

A pregnant client in her third trimester, lying supine on the examination table, suddenly grows very short of breath and dizzy. Concerned, she asks the nurse what is happening. Which response should the nurse prioritize?

blood is trapped in the vena cava in the supine position Supine hypotension syndrome, or an interference with blood return to the heart, occurs when the weight of the fetus rests on the vena cava. Cerebral arteries should not be affected. Mean arterial pressure is high enough to maintain perfusion of the uterus in any orientation. The sympathetic nervous system will not be affected by the supine position.

Which change related to the vital signs is expected in pregnant women?

blood pressure decreased Pulse and temperature often increase, while lung space is decreased in pregnant women. It is common for blood pressure to decrease during pregnancy.

During an exam, the nurse notes that the blood pressure of a client at 22 weeks' gestation is lower, and her heart rate is 12 beats per minute higher than at her last visit. How should the nurse interpret these findings?

both findings are normal at this point of the pregnancy A pregnant woman will normally experience a decrease in her blood pressure during the second trimester. An increase in the heart rate of 10 to 15 beats per minute on average is also normal, due to the increased blood volume and increased workload of other organ systems. Hormonal changes cause the blood vessels to dilate, leading to a lowering of blood pressure.

A pregnant client is concerned she may develop preeclampsia, so she has stopped adding any salt to her food and is now questioning the nurse about avoiding prepared foods. The nurse should point out some salt is very beneficial and can help prevent which negative outcome for her baby?

congenital hypothyroidism Iodized sodium is needed by the body for normal thyroid function. Women with severe iodine deficiencies deliver infants with congenital hypothyroidism. Low birth weight is related to smoking and alcohol. Neural tube defects are caused by low folic acid levels. When vitamin A levels are too low, night blindness may occur.

During pregnancy a woman has many psychological adaptations that must be made. The nurse must remember that the baby's father is also experiencing the pregnancy and has adaptations that must be made. Some fathers actually have symptoms of the pregnancy along with the mothers. What is this called?

couvade syndrome Some fathers actually experience some of the physical symptoms of pregnancy, such as nausea and vomiting, along with their partner. This phenomenon is called couvade syndrome.

The nurse is assessing a pregnant client at her 20-week visit. Which breast assessment should the nurse anticipate documenting?

darkened breast areolae As part of the pigment changes that occur with pregnancy, breast areolae become darker. The breast tissue should not be softer or slacker than before. There should not yet be any lymph enlargement, and the nipples should not have fissures.

The nurse cares for a pregnant client at the first prenatal visit and reviews expected changes that will occur during pregnancy. Which information will the nurse include in the education?

during pregnancy, blood volume can increase by 40% to 50% The pregnant woman can experience a blood volume increase by approximately 40% to 50% above pre-pregnancy levels by the end of the third trimester. Pregnancy results in an increased respiratory rate to provide oxygen to both the mother and fetus. Hemoglobin levels are usually low during pregnancy because of hemodilution of red blood cells, which is termed physiologic anemia of pregnancy. Blood pressure usually reaches a low point mid-pregnancy and, thereafter, increases to prepregnancy levels by the third trimester.

The nurse cares for a pregnant client at the first prenatal visit and reviews expected changes that will occur during pregnancy. Which information will the nurse include in the education?

during the pregnancy blood volume can increase from 40% to 50% The pregnant woman can experience a blood volume increase by approximately 40% to 50% above prepregnancy levels by the end of the third trimester. Pregnancy results in an increased respiratory rate to provide oxygen to both the mother and fetus. Hemoglobin levels are usually low during pregnancy because of hemodilution of red blood cells, which is termed physiologic anemia of pregnancy. Blood pressure usually reaches a low point mid-pregnancy and, thereafter, increases to prepregnancy levels by the third trimester.

A woman is 10 weeks' pregnant and tells the nurse that this pregnancy was unplanned and she has no real family support. The nurse's most therapeutic response would be to:

encourage her to identify someone she can talk to and share the pregnancy experience A pregnant woman without social support needs to identify someone with whom she can share the experience of pregnancy because social support is a crucial part of adapting to parenthood. Telling her to move home and telling her that she will feel better as the pregnancy progresses do not address the issue of isolation. Also, moving home may not be a possibility for this woman. The nurse should maintain a professional relationship and not commit to a long-term relationship with a client.

The nurse is counseling a young woman who has just entered her second trimester, after an uneventful first trimester. She tells the nurse, "It still doesn't seem real. It's just hard to believe that I will really have a baby." Which future events should the nurse point out that will help the young woman come to believe it is real? Select all that apply.

feeling the baby kick seeing an ultrasound image of the baby During the second trimester, the psychological task of a woman is to accept she is having a baby, a step up from accepting the pregnancy. This change usually happens at quickening, or the first moment a woman feels fetal movement. Shopping for baby clothes for the first time, setting up the crib, seeing a blurry outline on a sonogram screen: any of these small actions may suddenly make the coming baby seem real and desired. Clearly, receiving a positive result on a pregnancy test was not enough to help this woman accept that she was having a baby, as this has already happened. Taking prenatal vitamins and giving up alcohol are more likely to be indicators that the woman has accepted the pregnancy rather than aiding her in accepting the baby.

The nurse is conducting an annual examination on a young female who reports her last menses was 2 months ago. The client insists she is not pregnant due to a negative home pregnancy test. Which assessment should the nurse use to assess confirm the pregnancy?

fetal heartbeat The only positive sign of pregnancy is a sign or symptom that could only be attributable to the fetus; thus, fetal heartbeat can have no other origin. Chadwick sign is a color change in the cervix, vagina, and perineum; these could all be the result of other causes. A positive urine hCG is a probable sign as it can be related to causes other than pregnancy. A change in the size and shape of the uterus can occur due to other causes.

What is a positive sign of pregnancy?

fetal movement felt by examiner The positive signs of pregnancy are fetal image on sonogram, hearing a fetal heart rate, and the examiner feeling fetal movement.

A client in her 39th week of gestation arrives at the maternity clinic stating that earlier in her pregnancy, she experienced shortness of breath. However, for the past few days, she has been able to breathe easily, but she has also begun to experience increased urinary frequency. A nurse is assigned to perform the physical examination of the client. Which observation is most likely?

fundal height has dropped since last recording Between 38 and 40 weeks of gestation, the fundal height drops as the fetus begins to descend and engage into the pelvis. Because it pushes against the diaphragm, many women experience shortness of breath. By 40 weeks, the fetal head begins to descend and engage into the pelvis. Although breathing becomes easier because of this descent, the pressure on the urinary bladder now increases, and women experience urinary frequency. The fundus reaches its highest level at the xiphoid process at approximately 36, not 39, weeks. By 20 weeks' gestation, the fundus is at the level of the umbilicus and measures 20 cm. At between 6 and 8 weeks of gestation, the cervix begins to soften (Goodell sign) and the lower uterine segment softens (Hegar's sign).

A client at 16 weeks' gestation comes to the office for a routine exam. At what location within the abdomen would the nurse anticipate the uterus to be found?

halfway between the symphysis pubis and the umbilics As the pregnancy progresses, the uterus enlarges and enters the abdominal cavity. At 16 weeks, the nurse should be able to palpate the uterus halfway between the symphysis pubis and the umbilicus.

A 22-year-old client comes to the walk-in clinic complaining of fatigue, breast heaviness and extreme tenderness, and a clear vaginal discharge. What question would the nurse ask this client?

have you been sexually active in the past 2 months The client is presenting with presumptive or subjective symptoms of pregnancy. Given her symptoms and age, asking about sexual activity is the most appropriate question. Whether she is taking an oral contraceptive will not assist in identifying the cause of her symptoms. If she has vaginal itching, the underlying cause of her symptoms needs to be identified before treatment can be prescribed. Asking about family history is part of a comprehensive health history, but is not the priority based on the client's presentation.

A 22-year-old client comes to the walk-in clinic complaining of fatigue, breast heaviness and extreme tenderness, and a clear vaginal discharge. What question would the nurse ask this client?

have you been sexually active in the past two months The client is presenting with presumptive or subjective symptoms of pregnancy. Given her symptoms and age, asking about sexual activity is the most appropriate question. Whether she is taking an oral contraceptive will not assist in identifying the cause of her symptoms. If she has vaginal itching, the underlying cause of her symptoms needs to be identified before treatment can be prescribed. Asking about family history is part of a comprehensive health history, but is not the priority based on the client's presentation.

During a routine antepartal visit, a pregnant woman says, "I've noticed my gums bleeding a bit since I've become pregnant. Is this normal?" The nurse bases the response on the understanding of which effect of pregnancy?

influence of estrogen and blood vessel proliferation During pregnancy, the gums become hyperemic, swollen, and friable and tend to bleed easily. This change is influenced by estrogen and increased proliferation of blood vessels and circulation to the mouth. Elevated progesterone levels cause smooth muscle relaxation, which results in delayed gastric emptying and decreased peristalsis. Increased venous pressure contributes to the formation of hemorrhoids. Relaxation of the cardiac sphincter, in conjunction with slowed gastric emptying, leads to reflux due to regurgitation of the stomach contents into the upper esophagus.

Many changes occur in the body of a pregnant woman. Some of these are changes in the integumentary system. What is one change in the integumentary system called?

melasma (chloasma) The so-called mask of pregnancy, melasma (also known as chloasma) can appear as brown blotchy areas on the forehead, cheeks, and nose of the pregnant woman. This condition may be permanent, or it may regress between pregnancies.

In preparing for a prenatal class to discuss the hormonal changes during pregnancy, which information would the nurse most likely include?

over the counter antacids can be used to treat acid reflux with the healthcare providers knowledge Elevated progesterone levels cause smooth muscle relaxation, which can result in relaxation of the cardiac sphincter and reflux of the stomach contents into the lower esophagus. OTC antacids will usually relieve the symptoms but should be discussed with the health care provider first. The hormonal changes are necessary for the pregnancy to continue, and the woman will return to her usual nonpregnant hormonal levels after the baby is born. Taking hormonal replacement therapy is not recommended. Using herbs should be done only with the knowledge of the health care practitioner due to the side effects and contraindications of some herbs during pregnancy. Some herbs will cause a spontaneous abortion (miscarriage).

A nurse is explaining how hormones affect the pregnancy. Which hormone would the nurse describe as being responsible for stimulating uterine contractions during labor and birth?

oxytocin Oxytocin is responsible for stimulating the uterine contractions that bring about delivery. Progesterone and estrogen help maintain the pregnancy, and prolactin helps with stimulating milk production after the delivery.

The nurse is preparing to teach a community class to a group of first-time parents. Which information should the nurse include concerning what the pregnant woman's partner may experience as a normal response?

physical symptoms similar to the mother Couvade syndrome is the occurrence of physical symptoms by the partner, similar to the physical symptoms of the mother. Other emotional symptoms may occur, but they are typically on a person-to-person basis.

A client in her 29th week of gestation reports dizziness and clamminess when assuming a supine position. During the assessment, the nurse observes there is a marked decrease in the client's blood pressure. Which intervention should the nurse implement to help alleviate this client's condition?

place the client in a left lateral position The symptoms experienced by the client indicate supine hypotension syndrome. When the pregnant woman assumes a supine position, the expanding uterus exerts pressure on the inferior vena. The nurse should place the client in the left lateral position to correct this syndrome and optimize cardiac output and uterine perfusion. Elevating the client's legs, placing the client in an orthopneic position, or keeping the head of the bed elevated will not help alleviate the client's condition.

The partner of a pregnant client in her first trimester asks the nurse about the client's behavior recently, stating that she is very moody, seems happy one moment and is crying the next and all she wants to talk about is herself. What response would correctly address these concerns?

pregnant women often experience mood swings and self-centeredness but this is normal During the first trimester of pregnancy, the woman often has mood swings, bouts of irritability and is hypersensitive. The partner needs to know that these are all normal behaviors for a pregnant woman.

During a routine prenatal visit, a pregnant woman reports a white, thick, vaginal discharge. She denies any itching or irritation. Which action would the nurse take next?

tell the woman that this is entirely normal Vaginal secretions increase during pregnancy and this is considered normal leukorrhea based on the woman's report that she is not experiencing any itching or irritation. There is no evidence indicating the need to notify the health care provider, check for rupture of membranes, or advise her about the need for a culture.

The nurse-midwife is performing a pelvic examination on a client who came to her following a positive home pregnancy test. The nurse checks the woman's cervix for the probable sign of pregnancy known as Goodell sign. Which description illustrates this alteration?

the cervix softens At about the 8th week of gestation, the cervix softens, a probable sign known as Goodell sign. The cervix also looks blue or purple when examined; this is Chadwick sign, and may occur as early as the 6th week of pregnancy. At about 6 weeks, the lower uterine segment softens, a probable sign called Hegar sign. A softening of the uterine fundus, where the embryo has implanted, also occurs by about the 7th week, and the fundus enlarges by the 8th week.

The nurse is assessing a pregnant client in her third trimester who is reporting a first-time occurrence of constipation. When asked why this is happening, what is the best response from the nurse?

the intestine are displaced by the growing fetus The growing fetus is displacing the intestines and interfering with peristalsis, delaying the passage of fecal matter and resulting in constipation. This is common and expected; however, the client should take measures to prevent hemorrhoids that can occur as the result of the pressure and straining. Progesterone, not hCG, can delay gastric emptying and decrease peristalsis.

The nurse is presenting a nutritional plan to a primigravida client who is questioning the addition of iodized salt to her diet. Which explanation should the nurse prioritize in answering this client?

thyroid activity which depends on iodine intake increases during pregnancy Hyperplasia of glandular tissue and increased vascularity can cause the thyroid gland to increase in size. Iodine is a necessary mineral for optimal thyroid function. So as the thyroid increases, the need for additional iodine increases. Progesterone formation is not dependent on iodine. The activity of the adrenal gland does not influence iodine's effectiveness.

A client's menstrual period is two weeks late. She has been feeling tired and has had bouts of nausea in the morning. What classification of pregnancy symptoms is this client experiencing?

presumptive The most common presumptive sign of pregnancy is a missed menstrual period, or amenorrhea. Other presumptive signs include nausea, fatigue, swollen, tender breasts, and frequent urination.

On a routine hematocrit screen during a prenatal visit, the nurse notices that the client is mildly anemic. When discussing this with the couple, the husband hints that she might be eating unusual things. The nurse recognizes the need for the woman to be evaluated for which condition?

pica Pica is the compulsive ingestion of nonfood substances. Pregnant women who develop a pica habit typically have one or two specific cravings. The three main substances consumed by women with pica are soil or clay, ice, and laundry starch. These substances replace nutritive sources and can lead to complications such as iron-deficiency anemia, infection, and constipation.

A woman comes to the clinic reporting her period is late and she is wondering if she is pregnant. Which assessment findings by the nurse would indicate she is exhibiting probable signs of pregnancy? Select all that apply.

positive pregnancy test ballottement softening of the cervix Probable signs of pregnancy include a positive pregnancy test, ballottement, and softening of the cervix (Goodell sign). Ultrasound visualization of the fetus, auscultation of a fetal heart beat, and palpation of fetal movements are considered positive signs of pregnancy. Absence of menstruation is a presumptive sign of pregnancy.

A woman in the third trimester of her first pregnancy expresses fear about the birth canal being wide enough for her to push the baby through it during labor. She is a petite person, and the baby seems so large. She asks the nurse how this will be possible. To help alleviate the client's fears, the nurse should mention the role of the hormone that softens the cervix and collagen in the joints, which allows dilation (dilatation) and enlargement of the birth canal. What is this hormone?

relaxin Relaxin, secreted by the corpus luteum of the ovary as well as the placenta, is responsible for helping to inhibit uterine activity and to soften the cervix and the collagen in joints. Softening of the cervix allows for dilation (dilatation) at birth; softening of collagen allows for laxness in the lower spine and so helps enlarge the birth canal. The effect of estrogen is to cause breast and uterine enlargement. Progesterone has a major role in maintaining the endometrium, inhibiting uterine contractility, and aiding in the development of the breasts for lactation. Human placental lactogen (hPL), also known as human chorionic somatomammotropin, serves as an antagonist to insulin, making insulin less effective and thereby allowing more glucose to become available for fetal growth.

A client makes an appointment with an obstetrician and assessment reveals positive Hegar and Chadwick signs. What should the nurse teach the client about these results?

she is probably pregnancy but this must be confirmed by other means These are probable signs of pregnancy that can be detected by a trained examiner. However, positive signs must confirm this.

During an examination, a client at 32 weeks' gestation becomes dizzy, lightheaded, and pale while supine. What should the nurse do first?

turn the client on her left side As the enlarging uterus increases pressure on the inferior vena cava, it compromises venous return, which can cause dizziness, light-headedness, and pallor when the client is supine. The nurse can relieve these symptoms by turning the client on her left side, which relieves pressure on the vena cava and restores venous return. Although they are valuable assessments, fetal heart tone and maternal blood pressure measurements do not correct the problem. Because deep breathing has no effect on venous return, it cannot relieve the client's symptoms.

A client in her 39th week of gestation reports swelling in the legs after standing for long periods of time. The nurse recognizes that this factor increases the client's risk for which condition?

venous thrombosis During pregnancy, there is an increase in the client's blood components. These changes, coupled with venous stasis secondary to venous pooling, which occurs during late pregnancy after standing long periods of time (with the pressure exerted by the uterus on the large pelvic veins), contribute to slowed venous return, pooling, and dependent edema. These factors also increase the woman's risk for venous thrombosis. The symptoms experienced by the client do not indicate that she is at risk for hemorrhoids, embolism, or supine hypotension syndrome. Supine hypotension syndrome occurs when the uterus expands and exerts pressure on the inferior vena cava, which causes a reduction in blood flow to the heart. A client with supine hypotension syndrome experiences dizziness, clamminess, and a marked decrease in blood pressure.

A nurse is conducting a class for a group of pregnant women in their first trimester about the emotional responses that occur during pregnancy. Which response would the nurse identify as being seen commonly during the second trimester?

acceptance During the second trimester, the physical changes of pregnancy, including an enlarging abdomen and fetal movement, bring a sense of reality and validity to the pregnancy leading to acceptance. Ambivalence, or having conflicting feelings at the same time, is a universal feeling and is considered normal when preparing for a lifestyle change and new role. Pregnant women commonly experience ambivalence during the first trimester. Usually ambivalence evolves into acceptance by the second trimester, when fetal movement is felt. Introversion seems to heighten during the first and third trimesters, when the woman's focus is on behaviors that will ensure a safe and health pregnancy outcome. Emotional lability, not emotional balance, is characteristic throughout most pregnancies. One moment a woman can feel great joy, and within a short time, she can feel shock and disbelief. It is not more common during one trimester or another.

A client in her third trimester reports sleeping poorly: sleeping on her back results in lightheadedness and dizziness and lying on her side results in no sleep. Which suggestion for sleeping should the nurse prioritize for this client?

with a pillow under her right hip Pregnancy places strain on the cardiovascular system with increased fluid in the lungs and heart. The use of one pillow under the right hip will help displace the uterus and fetus off the major blood vessels, allowing the circulation to flow appropriately and provide relief to the client. When the woman lies flat on her back the uterus and contents can compress the vena cava and aorta and reduce blood flow, resulting in the light-headedness and dizzy spells. Removal of the pillow would not alter the effects on the vena cava. A pillow under the shoulders would hurt the neck, and a pillow under both hips would exacerbate the light-headedness.