Author Question: A pregnant woman has been brought to the emergency department by the rescue squad with symptoms of ... (Read 93 times)

theo · **on:** Jun 28, 2018

A pregnant woman has been brought to the emergency department by the rescue squad with symptoms of heat exhaustion after competing in an outdoor race on a hot day.

Before discharge, the nurse teaches about appropriate exercise during pregnancy. The husband asks if the woman's having heat exhaustion will harm the baby. Which response by the nurse is most accurate?
A.
Definitely; that's why pregnant women should not do aerobic exercise.
B.
Fetal temperature depends on mom's temperature, so the fetus may be affected.
C.
The baby is in a fluid environment and won't get overheated.
D.
Yes, but if we rapidly cool mom down, there won't be any problems.

Question 2

A perinatal clinic nurse educated a pregnant woman about basic prenatal exercises. On a return visit, which statement by the patient indicates that teaching goals have been met?

A.
I have learned to isolate the right muscle for Kegel exercises.
B.
It's hard to find 30 minutes a day for exercise, but I have done it.
C.
Jumping rope is great exercise and keeps my weight in control.
D.
When I get fatigued with these exercises, I just push through it.

cat123 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 28, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
The fetus is unable to reduce body temperature through perspiration or other means and instead must rely on the mother's body for temperature regulation. Possible complications of maternal hyperthermia include spontaneous abortion, preterm labor, and fetal distress. The nurse should educate the couple about exercise that won't increase the maternal temperature too much. Complications are possible, not definite; the baby being in a fluid environment does not regulate its temperature, and women who are pregnant can engage in aerobic activity following safety guidelines.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Kegel exercises are among the basic prenatal exercises taught to all pregnant women. In order to do them correctly, the woman needs to learn to isolate the pubococcygeal (PC) muscle. Women can obtain benefits from exercising as little as 10 minutes a day; jumping rope should be avoided because it involves too much bouncing; and when the pregnant woman is fatigued, she should rest.