The primiparous patient at 39 weeks' gestation calls the clinic and reports increased bladder pressure but easier breathing and irregular, mild contractions. She also states that she just cleaned the entire house
Which statement should the nurse make?
1. "You shouldn't work so much at this point in pregnancy."
2. "What you are describing is not commonly experienced in the last weeks."
3. "Your body may be telling you it is going into labor soon."
4. "If the bladder pressure continues, come in to the clinic tomorrow."
Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: There is no indication that the patient should decrease her work schedule.
Rationale 2: Lightening is a common and expected finding.
Rationale 3: One of the premonitory signs of labor includes lightening: The baby drops lower into the pelvis, which creates increased pelvic and bladder pressure but less pressure on the diaphragm, which makes breathing easier.
Rationale 4: Lightening does not indicate pathology, and therefore there is no need to come to the clinic if the symptoms continue.
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