Signs and Symptoms
Signs and Symptoms ( 4 Questions)
A nurse is assessing a pregnant client who is at risk for pre-term labor.
Which symptom should the nurse consider as a potential warning sign indicating the need for immediate medical attention?
Regular uterine contractions occurring every 20 minutes are a sign of preterm labor that requires immediate medical attention. Preterm labor is any labor that occurs from 20 weeks through 36 weeks of pregnancy. If preterm labor can’t be stopped, the baby will be born early and may have health problems.
Mild lower abdominal cramping is a normal symptom of pregnancy and does not indicate preterm labor.
Low back pain lasting for 10 minutes is not a specific symptom of preterm labor and may be caused by other factors such as posture or muscle strain.
A change in vaginal discharge with a mild increase in amount is also a normal symptom of pregnancy and does not indicate preterm labor. However, if the discharge is watery, bloody, or has a foul odor, it may be a sign of infection or placental problems and should be reported to the doctor.
Regular uterine contractions occurring every 20 minutes are a sign of preterm labor that requires immediate medical attention. Preterm labor is any labor that occurs from 20 weeks through 36 weeks of pregnancy. If preterm labor can’t be stopped, the baby will be born early and may have health problems.
Choice B is wrong because mild lower abdominal cramping is a normal symptom of pregnancy and does not indicate preterm labor.
Choice C is wrong because low back pain lasting for 10 minutes is not a specific symptom of preterm labor and may be caused by other factors such as posture or muscle strain.
Choice D is wrong because a change in vaginal discharge with a mild increase in amount is also a normal symptom of pregnancy and does not indicate preterm labor. However, if the discharge is watery, bloody, or has a foul odor, it may be a sign of infection or placental problems and should be reported to the doctor.