Final answer:
The nurse can expect signs and symptoms such as persistent low backache, loss of energy, blood-tinged cervical mucus, loss of weight, and pain in the groin in a pregnant client who is due in 2 weeks, as these indicate the body is preparing for labor.
Step-by-step explanation:
Signs and Symptoms Preceding Labor
The nurse assessing a pregnant client due in 2 weeks can expect several signs and symptoms that labor may begin soon. These include:
- Persistent low backache: As the fetus grows and the uterus expands, the mother can experience back pain, which may persist and intensify as labor approaches.
- Loss of energy: Many pregnant women report feeling tired or having less energy as they near their delivery date.
- Blood-tinged cervical mucus: A significant sign that labor could be close is the expulsion of the cervical mucus plug, also known as the 'bloody show'. It's made up of mucus that blocks the cervical canal during pregnancy to protect the uterus. Its release, sometimes accompanied by small amounts of blood, signifies that labor may start within a few days.
- Loss of weight: Some women might experience a slight weight loss as they approach labor.
- Pain in the groin: The pressure from the baby's head descending into the pelvis can cause discomfort or pain in the groin area.
These symptoms alone do not necessarily confirm the onset of labor, but they do indicate that the body is preparing for childbirth. However, not all women experience these signs and the intensity can vary.