The primiparous patient at 40 weeks' gestation reports to the nurse that she has had increased pelvic pressure and increased urinary frequency. Which response by the nurse is best?

Question

1. "Unless you have pain with urination, we don't need to worry about it."
2. "These symptoms usually mean the baby's head has descended further."
3. "Come in for an appointment today and we'll check everything out."
4. "This might indicate that the baby is no longer in a head down position."

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: Increased pelvic pressure and urinary frequency are premonitory signs of labor. These are not signs of a urinary tract infection.
Rationale 2: This is the best response because it most directly addresses what the patient has reported. Increased pelvic pressure and urinary frequency are premonitory signs of labor.
Rationale 3: There is no need for an additional appointment, as increased pelvic pressure and urinary frequency are premonitory signs of labor.
Rationale 4: The patient is experiencing premonitory signs of labor; the fetus changing to a breech presentation would be experienced as fetal movement that was formerly felt in the upper abdomen but now is down in the pelvis.