Final answer:
The most appropriate nursing intervention for a pregnant woman experiencing breathing difficulties during the later stages of pregnancy is to encourage deep breathing exercises and relaxation techniques. These methods help manage the increased respiratory demands and the physical changes that cause shortness of breath.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question addresses the appropriate nursing interventions for a pregnant woman experiencing difficulty breathing during the second and third trimester of pregnancy. The appropriate interventions are:
- Encourage deep breathing exercises and relaxation techniques to help improve ventilation and reduce the sensation of dyspnea.
- Administer diuretics only if prescribed by a doctor, as they are not a standard intervention for dyspnea in pregnancy and could be contraindicated.
- Advise the patient against lying flat on her back for extended periods, as this can worsen respiratory difficulties due to increased abdominal pressure on the diaphragm.
- Suggest avoiding caffeine as it could potentially increase heart rate and not directly improve respiratory function.
As per the question, the most suitable option is (a) Encourage deep breathing exercises and relaxation techniques, as they help to manage shortness of breath due to physiological changes in pregnancy. These changes include increased respiratory minute volume by 50% and pressure from the growing uterus on the diaphragm. Towards the end of pregnancy, lightening occurs as the fetus descends lower, which typically eases dyspnea.