Author Question: To provide the patient with accurate information about dental care during pregnancy, maternity ... (Read 82 times)

jparksx · **on:** Jun 28, 2018

To provide the patient with accurate information about dental care during pregnancy, maternity nurses should be aware that:

a. Dental care can be dropped from the priority list because the woman has enough to worry about and is getting a lot of calcium anyway.
b. Dental surgery, in particular, is contraindicated because of the psychologic stress it engenders.
c. If dental treatment is necessary, the woman will be most comfortable with it in the second trimester.
d. Dental care interferes with the expectant mother's need to practice conscious relaxation.

Question 2

With regard to the initial physical examination of a woman beginning prenatal care, maternity nurses should be cognizant of:

a. Only women who show physical signs or meet the sociologic profile should be assessed for physical abuse.
b. The woman should empty her bladder before the pelvic examination is performed.
c. The distribution, amount, and quality of body hair are of no particular importance.
d. The size of the uterus is discounted in the initial examination.

rnehls · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 28, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
The second trimester is best for dental treatment because that is when the woman will be able to sit most comfortably in the dental chair. Dental care such as brushing with fluoride toothpaste is especially important during pregnancy because nausea during pregnancy may lead to poor oral hygiene. Emergency dental surgery is permissible, but the mother must clearly understand the risks and benefits. Conscious relaxation is useful, and it may even help the woman get through any dental appointments; it is not a reason to avoid them.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
An empty bladder facilitates the examination; this is also an opportunity to get a urine sample easily for a number of tests. All women should be assessed for a history of physical abuse, particularly because the likelihood of abuse increases during pregnancy. Noting body hair is important because body hair reflects nutritional status, endocrine function, and hygiene. Particular attention is paid to the size of the uterus because it is an indication of the duration of gestation.