Concerning the care management of preterm labor, nurses should be ...

[Anajune7]

Concerning the care management of preterm labor, nurses should be aware that:
 
  1. because all women must be considered at risk for preterm labor and prediction is so hit-and-miss, teaching pregnant women the symptoms probably causes more harm through false alarms.
  2. Braxton Hicks contractions often signal the onset of preterm labor.
  3. because preterm labor is likely to be the start of an extended labor, a woman with symptoms can wait several hours before contacting the primary caregiver.
  4. the diagnosis of preterm labor is based on gestational age, uterine activity, and progressive cervical change.

Question 2

Which of the following symptoms would be considered a first trimester warning sign and should be reported immediately by the pregnant woman to her health care provider?
 
  1. Nausea with occasional vomiting
  2. Fatigue
  3. Urinary frequency
  4. Vaginal bleeding

[bd5255]

Answer to Question 1

4
1. Incorrect. It is essential that nurses teach women how to detect the early symptoms of preterm labor.
2. Incorrect. Braxton Hicks contractions resemble preterm labor contractions, but they are not true labor.
3. Incorrect. Waiting too long to see a health care provider could result in essential medica-tions failing to be administered. Preterm labor is not necessarily long-term labor.
4. Correct. Gestational age of 20 to 37 weeks, uterine contractions, and cervix 80 effaced or dilated 2 cm indicate preterm labor.

Answer to Question 2

4
1, 2, 3. Incorrect. These are normal first-trimester complaints of pregnancy. Although they may be worrisome or annoying to the mother, they are not usually an indication of a problem with the pregnancy.
4. Correct. Signs and symptoms that are to be reported include severe vomiting, fever and chills, burning on urination, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and vaginal bleeding. These symptoms may be signs of potential complications of the pregnancy.