Question

A nurse is working in the prenatal clinic. Which of the following findings seen in third-trimester pregnant women would the nurse consider to be within normal limits? Select all that apply.

1) Leg cramps.
2) Varicose veins.
3) Hemorrhoids.
4) Fainting spells.
5) Lordosis.

Answer 1

During the third trimester, normal findings can include leg cramps, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and lordosis. However, fainting spells require further evaluation as they may indicate more serious conditions and are not considered a normal finding.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the third trimester of pregnancy, a nurse in the prenatal clinic would recognize several findings as within normal limits. These include:

• Leg cramps, which are common due to the extra weight and changes in circulation.
• Varicose veins, which may develop because the growing uterus puts pressure on the veins that return blood from the lower extremities, causing the veins to become swollen and twisted.
• Hemorrhoids, which occur due to increased pressure on the pelvic floor and rectal veins from the enlarging uterus.
• Lordosis, which is an exaggerated inward curvature of the spine that develops as a result of the changing center of gravity and additional weight carried in front.

Fainting spells, on the other hand, could be indicative of underlying problems such as anemia or cardiovascular issues, and should not be considered within normal limits without further evaluation.