The nurse is preparing a pregnant patient for an abdominal ...

[RYAN BANYAN]

The nurse is preparing a pregnant patient for an abdominal ultrasound at 8 weeks' gestation. What intervention will the nurse implement before this diagnostic test?
 
  a. Instruct the patient to take nothing by mouth after midnight the night before the test.
  b. Initiate an IV.
  c. Encourage the patient to drink 1 to 2 quarts of water before the test.
  d. Instruct the patient to remove all jewelry.

Question 2

The young prenatal patient with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) says, I am frightened that I will have to deal with insulin injections for the rest of my life. What is the best response by the nurse?
 
  a. After delivery your doctor will prescribe oral hypoglycemic medication to control your disease. Pills are so much simpler than insulin injections.
  b. Have you considered an insulin pump?
  c. After a while those insulin injections won't seem so bad.
  d. It will most likely resolve 6 weeks or so after the baby is born.

[aidanmbrowne]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize structures within the body; the examination may use a transvaginal probe or an abdominal transducer; abdominal ultrasound during early pregnancy requires a full bladder for proper visualization (have the woman drink 1 to 2 quarts of water before the examination).

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
GDM usually resolves by 6 weeks after delivery.