A nurse collecting data on a client who is 38 weeks of gestation during a weekly prenatal visit. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A rationale Report of insomnia is a common and often expected complaint during the third trimester of pregnancy due to physical discomforts such as frequent urination, fetal movement, and difficulty finding a comfortable position. While bothersome for the client, it is typically not indicative of a serious complication requiring immediate reporting to the provider in a routine prenatal visit. Choice B rationale Blood-tinged mucous vaginal discharge, or "bloody show," is a normal finding at 38 weeks of gestation. It indicates cervical changes such as effacement and dilation as the body prepares for labor. This physiological process results from the rupture of small capillaries in the cervix and is expected. Choice C rationale A blood pressure of 134/80 mm Hg, while slightly elevated from typical mid-pregnancy readings, is generally within acceptable limits for a 38-week gestation. A normal blood pressure range in pregnancy is typically less than 140/90 mm Hg. This reading alone does not indicate preeclampsia or other hypertensive disorders in the absence of other symptoms. Choice D rationale A weight gain of 2.2 kg (4.8 lbs) in one week at 38 weeks of gestation is concerning. Rapid weight gain during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester, can be a sign of fluid retention and may indicate potential complications such as preeclampsia, a serious hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, and warrants prompt evaluation by the provider. .