The clinic nurse talks to a 30-year-old woman at 34 weeks' gestation who complains of having difficulty sleeping. Jayne has noticed that getting back to sleep after she has been up at night is difficult. The nurse's best response is:

Question

a. "This is abnormal; it is important that you describe this problem to the doctor."
b. "This is normal, and many women have this same problem during pregnancy; try napping for several hours each morning and afternoon."
c. "This is abnormal; tell the doctor about this problem because diagnostic testing may be necessary."
d. "This is normal in pregnancy, particularly during the third trimester when you also feel fetal movement at night; try napping once a day."

Answer 1

ANS: d
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a. This sleep pattern is a normal finding.
b. Sleeping for several hours in the morning and afternoon would contribute to further sleep disturbances at night.
c. This sleep pattern is a normal finding.
d. Pregnancy sleep patterns are characterized by reduced sleep efficiency, fewer hours of night sleep, frequent awakenings, and difficulty going to sleep. Nurses can advise patients that afternoon napping may help alleviate the fatigue associated with the sleep alterations.