A nurse is caring for a pregnant woman on the high-risk OB unit who is anticipating a long stay on bedrest. Which action by the nurse would be most helpful to help diminish the physical complications associated with imposed bedrest?

Question

A.
Arrange a social work consult for coping assessment.
B.
Assess and document the woman's skin each shift.
C.
Consult physical therapy for in-bed exercises.
D.
Help the woman select high-protein foods from the menu.

Answer 1

ANS: C
All activities are appropriate for a woman who is confined to bed prior to childbirth. However, to mitigate the possible physical complications from bedrest, encouraging activity and exercise to her limits is desirable. A physical therapist can design an exercise routine the patient can do in bed. A coping assessment would help with psychosocial complications. Assessing and documenting skin condition does not diminish complications. Nutrition is important and selecting appropriate foods is helpful, but the major complications from bedrest occur in the cardiovascular system.