When a pregnant woman develops ptyalism, what should the nurse ...

[Collmarie]

When a pregnant woman develops ptyalism, what should the nurse advise?
 
  a. Chew gum or suck on lozenges between meals.
  b. Eat nutritious meals that provide adequate amounts of essential vitamins and minerals.
  c. Take short walks to stimulate circulation in the legs and elevate the legs periodically.
  d. Use pillows to support the abdomen and back during sleep.

Question 2

Which laboratory result would be a cause for concern if exhibited by a client at her first prenatal visit during the second month of her pregnancy?
 
  a. Rubella titer, 1:6
  b. Platelets, 300,000/mm3
  c. White blood cell count, 6000/mm3
  d. Hematocrit 38, hemoglobin 13 g/dL

[Sammyo]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Some women experience ptyalism, or excessive salivation. The cause of ptyalism may be decreased swallowing associated with nausea or stimulation of the salivary glands by the ingestion of starch. Small frequent meals and use of chewing gum and oral lozenges offer limited relief for some women. All other options include recommendations for pregnant women; however, they do not address ptyalism.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
A rubella titer of less than 1:8 indicates a lack of immunity to rubella, a viral infection that has the potential to cause teratogenic effects on fetal development. Arrangements should be made to administer the rubella vaccine after birth during the postpartum period because administration of rubella, a live vaccine, would be contraindicated during pregnancy. Women receiving the vaccine during the postpartum period should be cautioned to avoid pregnancy for 3 months. The lab values for WBCs, platelets, and hematocrit/hemoglobin are within the expected range for pregnant women.

[Collmarie]

Excellent

[kusterl]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it