A woman in her third trimester is complaining of numbness and tingling in her fingers. Which action should the nurse take first?
A.
Assess the woman for hyperventilation.
B.
Educate her about a thermoskin carpal tunnel glove.
C.
Facilitate an appointment for a nerve conduction study.
D.
Reassure her that the condition is temporary.
ANS: A
Carpal tunnel syndrome is commonly seen in pregnancy and can be caused by either hyperventilation or from nerve compression of the median and ulnar nerves in the arm. If the woman is hyperventilating, the nurse can educate her about conscious control of breathing, which would provide relief quickly and easily. If hyperventilation does not seem to be the causative factor, the nurse can educate her about strategies for symptom control. These methods include maintaining good posture, elevating the hands on pillows when sleeping, wearing a wrist brace, and/or using a thermoskin carpal tunnel glove. Simply reassuring the woman that the condition is temporary does nothing to increase her comfort. A nerve conduction study is not needed at this time, but if the condition persists after childbirth, it could be an option.
You might also like to view...
The ER (emergency room) staff experienced a violent client who had demanded pain medication and threatened the staff if he did not receive it. The ER nurse called the police, and the emergency room physician talked to the client in a calm manner
The physician?s ploy to ask questions regarding the client?s level and location of pain was an attempt to: 1. Distract the client. 2. De-escalate the situation. 3. Determine the client?s real reason for seeking treatment. 4. Assess the client?s level of pain.
While developing an intrapartum care plan for the client in early labor, it is important that the nurse recognize that psychosocial factors may influence a woman's experience of pain. These include which of the following? Select all that apply
a. Culture b. Anxiety and fear c. Previous experiences with pain d. Preparation for childbirth e. Support systems
A 9-year-old girl who has fallen from a second-story window is brought to the emergency department. Which assessment would be a priority?
A) Evaluating pupils for equality and reactivity B) Monitoring oxygen saturation levels C) Asking the child if she knows where she is D) Using the appropriate pain assessment scale
The parents ask if blood work can be drawn from their daughter while she is in the playroom and distracted from this procedure. The best answer by the nurse is:
a. "No, definitely not, because it is against hospital rules to draw blood there." b. "Yes, if you prefer the blood to be drawn there, we will abide by your wishes." c. "The playroom is a safe haven there no painful treatments or scenes are encountered." d. "If your child agrees to have the blood drawn in the playroom and other parents don't object."