The pregnant patient has moved to the United States from another ...

[Chloeellawright]

The pregnant patient has moved to the United States from another country. She states that her grandmother has provided herbs for her to take during pregnancy. The patient asks the nurse whether the herbs are safe. How should the nurse respond?
 
  1. Some herbs are not safe for use during pregnancy.
  2. Herbal supplements during pregnancy do not cause problems.
  3. Your grandmother wouldn't give you anything that was dangerous.
  4. Natural supplements should not be used during pregnancy or labor.

Question 2

The primary physician orders a narcotic analgesic for a client in labor. Which situations would lead the nurse to hold the medication? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.
 
  1. Contraction pattern every 3 minutes for 60 seconds
  2. Fetal monitor tracing showing late decelerations
  3. Client sleeping between contractions
  4. Blood pressure 150/90
  5. Blood pressure 80/42

[Brenm]

Answer to Question 1

1
Rationale 1: Some herbs are oxytoxic, and can cause uterine contractions and therefore should be avoided during pregnancy. Some herbs, however, are safe for use during pregnancy and labor. The nurse cannot assume that the patient's grandmother is a knowledgeable herbalist.
Rationale 2: Some herbs should be avoided during pregnancy because of the risks they can cause.
Rationale 3: The nurse cannot assume that the patient's grandmother is a knowledgeable herbalist.
Rationale 4: Some herbs are safe for use during pregnancy and labor.

Answer to Question 2

2, 5
Explanation: 2. Maternal hypotension results in uteroplacental insufficiency in the fetus, which is manifested as late decelerations on the fetal monitoring strip.
5. This would be a contraindication, as a narcotic can lower the blood pressure even more.