Question

The nurse is collecting data from a pregnant client with a history of cardiac disease and is checking the client for venous congestion. The nurse inspects which body areas, knowing that venous congestion is commonly noted in which areas? Select all that apply.

1.Legs
2.Vulva
3.Fingers
4.Around the eyes
5.Around the abdomen

Answer 1

The nurse would inspect the legs, vulva, and area around the abdomen when checking for venous congestion in a pregnant client with a cardiac disease history, as these areas are commonly affected by edema and varicose veins due to gravity and increased pressure in the veins.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a nurse is checking a pregnant client with a history of cardiac disease for venous congestion, they will inspect certain body areas where this condition is commonly noted. Venous congestion, which can lead to edema and varicose veins, is often seen due to increased pressure in the veins causing fluids to flow out of capillaries and into the surrounding tissues. Considering the physiological changes during pregnancy and the effects of gravitational pull, the nurse would inspect the following areas:

• Legs—due to gravity and increased blood volume that may contribute to pooling and edema.
• Vulva—because the growing uterus may compress pelvic blood vessels, impacting venous return from the pelvic region.
• Around the abdomen—as the pressure from the expanding uterus can affect the veins entering the abdominal cavity, leading to venous congestion.

Areas such as the fingers and around the eyes are less commonly affected by venous congestion in the context of pregnancy.