Health Promotion and Maintenance
45. A client, who is at 32 weeks' gestation, comes to a clinic for a routine prenatal visit. She is having discomfort related to constipation. The nurse should teach the client that the most appropriate measures to alleviate this problem include:
. Taking a mild laxative daily.
. Adding more protein and fat to the daily diet.
. Drinking hot coffee or tea each morning at breakfast.
. Drinking 8–10 cups of water and take a daily walk.
Test-Taking Tip
Exclude interventions that involve drugs (laxative, caffeine) to relieve the common complaint of constipation. Suggesting natural measures for common pregnancy complaints are safer in pregnancy.
Content Area: Maternity, Antepartum; Integrated Process: Teaching and Learning; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Basic Care and Comfort/Elimination
Health Promotion and Maintenance
.
Answer 1 is incorrect because laxatives stimulate the intestinal tract, but also can initiate uterine contractions, which can be a cause of preterm labor contractions. Answer 2 is incorrect because high-fat and high-protein foods contribute to constipation. Answer 3 is incorrect because caffeine can cause tachycardia in the fetus and its use during pregnancy is discouraged. Answer 4 is correct because pregnancy slows intestinal motility due to the influence of progesterone. Increasing fluid intake and exercise stimulates peristalsis and can relieve the discomfort of constipation.