A woman is starting on birth control, but tells the nurse she ...

[JMatthes]

A woman is starting on birth control, but tells the nurse she wants to become pregnant next year. What action by the nurse is most important?
 
  A.
  Ask the woman to describe how her life will be different in the next year.
  B.
  Educate the woman about the need for folic acid supplementation before conceiving.
  C.
  Have the woman make a pre-pregnancy appointment for next year before she leaves.
  D.
  Tell the woman that it is difficult to get pregnant right after stopping birth control.

Question 2

A nurse is assessing a pregnant woman who says she drinks 5 to 7 alcoholic drinks per week. What action by the nurse is best?
 
  A.
  Advise the woman to decrease her drinking to 3 to 4 drinks per week.
  B.
  Explain that during pregnancy, alcohol in any amount can harm the fetus.
  C.
  Teach her that for women, the safe alcohol limit is 1 drink in an hour.
  D.
  Tell the woman to substitute caffeinated beverages for the alcohol.

[Gabe]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Neural tube defects occur during the fourth week of pregnancy, which is often before women know they are pregnant. Any woman considering pregnancy should take folic acid supplements well in advance of trying to conceive. The other options are not helpful interventions.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Alcohol is one of the most potent teratogens known, and a safe level of alcohol during pregnancy has not been established. Therefore, the nurse should advise the woman to stop drinking alcohol altogether while she is pregnant. Caffeine is also considered a teratogen, so this is not a good substitute.