Nurses caring for antepartum women with cardiac conditions should be aware that:

Question

1. stress on the heart is greatest in the first trimester and the last 2 weeks before la-bor.
2. women with class II cardiac disease should avoid heavy exertion and avoid any activity that causes even minor symptoms.
3. women with class III cardiac disease should get 8 to 10 hours of sleep every day and limit housework, shopping, and exercise.
4. women with class I cardiac disease need bed rest through most of pregnancy and face the possibility of hospitalization near term.

Answer 1

2
1. Incorrect. Stress is greatest between weeks 28 and 32 when homodynamic changes reach their maximum.
2. Correct. Class II cardiac disease is symptomatic with ordinary activity. Women in that category need to avoid heavy exertion and limit regular activities as symptoms dictate.
3. Incorrect. Class III cardiac disease is symptomatic with less than ordinary activity. These women need bed rest most of the day and face the possibility of hospitalization near term.
4. Incorrect. Class I cardiac disease is asymptomatic at normal levels of activity. These women can carry on limited normal activities with discretion, although they still need a good amount of sleep.