Prenatal Care Nursing Roles

What is one of the primary reasons nurses monitor blood pressure during prenatal care?

At what point during pregnancy is the glucose tolerance test usually performed?

What is a common sign that nurses check for, which may indicate preeclampsia?

Which blood test is routinely performed to identify anemia during pregnancy?

What does a result higher than 140 mg/dL indicate after the 50 g glucose test?

How long is the mother required to fast before the glucose tolerance test begins?

Which of the following is NOT a role of nurses in prenatal care?

Which procedure helps monitor fetal growth and positioning?

What can unmanaged gestational diabetes lead to?

What is the purpose of monitoring weight gain during pregnancy?

Prenatal Care Roles of Nurses

Blood Pressure Monitoring: Nurses regularly check maternal blood pressure to identify potential hypertension and preeclampsia.
Weight Gain Tracking: Nurses monitor weight gain to ensure healthy pregnancy progression and prevent excessive weight.
Swelling Checks: Nurses assess for swelling (especially in hands, feet, and face) as a potential sign of preeclampsia.
Blood Tests: Nurses conduct routine blood tests for glucose (gestational diabetes) and hemoglobin (anemia).
Ultrasound Scans: Nurses assist with ultrasound procedures to monitor fetal growth, position, and heartbeat.
Early Detection: Regular prenatal check-ups enable early identification of potential pregnancy complications, improving outcomes for both mother and baby.

Glucose Tolerance Test (Gestational Diabetes)

When Performed: Typically between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, but earlier in high-risk cases.
Procedure:
- Fasting Blood Sugar: An initial fasting blood sugar measurement is taken after 8-12 hours of fasting.
- 50g Glucose Test: The patient drinks a 50g glucose drink. One hour later, blood sugar is measured. A result above 140mg/dL warrants further testing.
- 100g Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): If the initial test is elevated, a more comprehensive 100g glucose tolerance test is performed. Blood sugar is measured hourly for three hours.
Reason: Detects gestational diabetes, a pregnancy-related condition, which if untreated, can lead to complications for both mother and baby.

This quiz explores the critical roles of nurses in prenatal care, including monitoring blood pressure, tracking weight gain, and conducting blood tests. It highlights how these responsibilities contribute to early detection of complications in pregnancy, ensuring better outcomes for both mother and baby.