A patient in her third trimester of pregnancy reports frequent ...

[sarasara]

A patient in her third trimester of pregnancy reports frequent leg cramps. What strategy would be most appropriate for the nurse to suggest?
 
  1. Point the toes of the affected leg.
  2. Increase intake of protein-rich foods.
  3. Limit her activity for several days.
  4. Flex the foot to stretch the calf.

Question 2

The nurse in the community clinic instructs a patient starting on an oral contraceptive that she must immediately report: Note: Credit will be given only if all correct and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.
 
  1. Only four withdrawal bleeds per year.
  2. Cholecystitis symptoms.
  3. Breakthrough bleeding.
  4. Blood pressure of 126/84.
  5. New lumps in her breast.

[Joy Chen]

Answer to Question 1

4
Rationale 1: Leg cramps are exacerbated by pointing the toes.
Rationale 2: Leg cramps, a common problem in pregnancy, often result from an imbalance in the calciumphosphorus ratio but not from a lack of protein-rich foods.
Rationale 3: Leg cramps, a common problem in pregnancy, are not caused by excess activity.
Rationale 4: Dorsiflexing the foot will allow stretching of the calf muscles, and will help relieve the cramps.

Answer to Question 2

2,5
Rationale 1: Some oral contraceptives have the expected effect of only four withdrawal bleeds per year.
Rationale 2: Cholecystitis is a contraindication for taking oral contraceptives.
Rationale 3: Very-low-dose pills can result in weaker cycle control, which leads to more irregular or breakthrough bleeding, and does not need immediate attention.
Rationale 4: Hypertension is a complication of oral contraception. This blood pressure is within normal limits.
Rationale 5: The woman using oral contraceptives should contact her healthcare provider if she develops a breast lump.