63. A 39-year-old career woman is pregnant for the first time. She is attending her first prenatal visit at 10 weeks' gestation and tells a nurse that her pregnancy was planned, but that she is feeling like maybe this was not such a good idea at this stage in her life. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
. "These are unnatural feelings. You should be happy to be pregnant."
. "Maybe you should consider abortion since you feel this way."
. "Many women have mixed emotions when they are first pregnant."
. "Don't worry, you'll feel differently once the baby is born."
Test-Taking Tip
Eliminate the options that are not examples of therapeutic communication, or suggest treatment to a client who has feelings that are a normal part of the first pregnancy in the first trimester.
Content Area: Maternity, Antepartum; Integrated Process: Communication and Documentation; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Psychosocial Integrity/Therapeutic Communications
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Answer 1 is incorrect because ambivalent feelings about pregnancy are common in all women. In addition, this response is a block to therapeutic communication. The nurse is telling the client how she "should" feel, rather than validating her feelings. Answer 2 is incorrect because even women with a desired pregnancy have ambivalent feelings. Such feelings do not necessarily mean the woman desires an abortion. In addition, this response is a block to therapeutic communication. The nurse is suggesting a treatment rather than validating the client's feelings. Answer 3 is correct because ambivalence is a normal response experienced by any individual preparing for a new role, especially an older primigravida. Answer 4 is incorrect because love does not necessarily instantly happen right after birth, especially in a first pregnancy. It may take time for such feelings to grow. The nurse is using a trite cliché.