Question

Name two nursing interventions to be done prior to a first-trimester ultrasound.

a) Administering pain medication
b) Confirming an empty bladder
c) Encouraging fasting
d) Applying warm compress to the abdomen

Answer 1

Two nursing interventions prior to a first-trimester ultrasound include confirming an empty bladder for better imaging and ensuring patient comfort. Fasting is not required, and the procedure is usually painless, making pain medication and warm compresses unnecessary.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student asked to name two nursing interventions to be done prior to a first-trimester ultrasound. Among the options provided, confirming an empty bladder is crucial as it provides better imaging of the pelvic organs and the growing fetus. Additionally, ensuring patient comfort is also important, but it is not necessarily achieved through administering pain medication or applying warm compresses to the abdomen, as first-trimester ultrasounds are typically not painful procedures. Note that fasting is not typically required prior to an ultrasound unless specified, and there is no indication that a warm compress would be beneficial for this type of ultrasound.

Ultrasounds are the safest imaging study during pregnancy, as they are non-invasive and do not use ionizing radiation. This test is a critical component of prenatal care, allowing healthcare providers to monitor patient health, check the development of the fetus, and diagnose a range of disorders without exposing the mother or fetus to risks associated with other types of imaging studies.