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A nurse provides teaching regarding how to relieve discomfort to a client in her second trimester of pregnancy that is having frequent low back pain and ankle edema at the end of the day. Which statement made by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

1) "When I get home I should lie on my left side, with my feet in a dorsiflexed position."
2) "I should soak in a tub bath of hot water when I get home and then perform pelvic tilt exercises."
3) "When I get home I should lie on my right side, with my feet elevated on a pillow, and put a heating pad on my back."
4) "When I get home I should lie on the floor, with my legs elevated onto a couch, and turn my hips and knees at right angles."

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

The statement "When I get home I should lie on the floor, with my legs elevated onto a couch, and turn my hips and knees at right angles" made by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching. Option 4 is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

Pregnant women often suffer from back strain later in their pregnancy due to the growing weight of the fetus, which can cause a shift in the center of gravity leading to a change in posture, and additional strain on the back muscles. Additionally, the hormone relaxin loosens ligaments in the pelvic area, which can exacerbate the issue.

Swollen ankles, known as edema, can occur due to decreased circulation and increased pressure on the veins by the expanding uterus. Skeletal muscle pump activity, which helps return blood from the lower extremities to the heart, can be reduced when static positions like standing or sitting are maintained for long periods, and is often a reason for edema in pregnant women.

The client's understanding of how to relieve discomfort from low back pain and ankle edema is best indicated by the statement: "When I get home I should lie on the floor, with my legs elevated onto a couch, and turn my hips and knees at right angles." This position can improve circulation and alleviate pressure on the back and veins of the legs, reducing both back strain and edema.

Hence, option 4 is correct.

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