To reassure and educate pregnant clients about the functioning of ...

[strangeaffliction]

To reassure and educate pregnant clients about the functioning of their kidneys in eliminating waste products, maternity nurses should be aware that:
 
  a. Increased urinary output makes pregnant women less susceptible to urinary infection.
  b. Increased bladder sensitivity and then compression of the bladder by the enlarging uterus results in the urge to urinate even if the bladder is almost empty.
  c. Renal (kidney) function is more efficient when the woman assumes a supine position.
  d. Using diuretics during pregnancy can help keep kidney function regular.

Question 2

A first-time mother at 18 weeks of gestation comes for her regularly scheduled prenatal visit. The client tells the nurse that she is afraid that she is going into premature labor because she is beginning to have regular contractions.
 
  The nurse explains that this is the Braxton Hicks sign and teaches the client that this type of contraction:
  a. Is painless. c. Causes cervical dilation.
  b. Increases with walking. d. Impedes oxygen flow to the fetus.

[Kedrick2014]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
First bladder sensitivity and then compression of the bladder by the uterus result in the urge to urinate more often. Numerous anatomic changes make a pregnant woman more susceptible to urinary tract infection. Renal function is more efficient when the woman lies in the lateral recumbent position and less efficient when she is supine. Diuretic use during pregnancy can overstress the system and cause problems.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Uterine contractions can be felt through the abdominal wall soon after the fourth month of gestation. Braxton Hicks contractions are regular and painless and continue throughout the pregnancy. Although they are not painful, some women complain that they are annoying. Braxton Hicks contractions usually cease with walking or exercise. They can be mistaken for true labor; however, they do not increase in intensity or frequency or cause cervical dilation. In addition, they facilitate uterine blood flow through the intervillous spaces of the placenta and promote oxygen delivery to the fetus.