I just need some help with my essay question...I can't seem to determine what this patient has?

1. A pregnant woman complains to her doctor that her ankles and feet stay swollen all of the time. She is very worried about this. As her doctor, what would you tell her?

Thanks so much for the help ;-)

We are not doctors. As a nursing student you are a long, long way from having the experience that an MD has. There's no way you can determine what a doctor would tell this woman.

However, for your background information, you'll find these sites helpful.

http://www.babycenter.com/0_swollen-extremities-edema-during-pregnancy_230.bc

http://www.womenshealthcaretopics.com/pregnancy/pregnancy_42.html

Ms.Sue

I never said I was a doctor....I AM A NURSING STUDENT! This is the example essay question (word for word) that my teacher has given me!!!!!! Thanks for your help!

You missed MsSue's point: The assignment was ill thought out. Nurses should not be trained to answer the question. I think you would have been better served to have been asked "what would a nurse tell this patient?"

Answer: Tell the patient that some swelling in the hands/feet is normal during pregnancy, and it can be relieved by resting on a the left side of your body. But if swelling around the eyes, or a sudden swelling of the hands or eyes occurs, or the swelling becomes large, contact the doctor q

I was cut off. To finish..

contact the doctor quickly. Finally advise the patient to discuss this swelling with the doctor, and point it out to him. And as always, record this in her chart.

That was in the first web site MsSue listed. Be careful speaking for the doctor, patients might believe you really are. You might want to discuss this with your Nursing Instructor.

Thanks for using Jiskha.

Ms. Sue, this is BIO 202 which is taken by future doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers. All Jessie asked for was some help, not your smart attitude. Thank you.

Based on the given information, the patient is experiencing swelling in her ankles and feet during pregnancy. This condition is known as edema. As her doctor, it is important to address her concerns and provide appropriate guidance.

To determine the underlying cause of the edema, several factors need to be considered. Here is how you can go about analyzing the situation:

1. Gather more information: Begin by asking the patient additional questions to gather more specific details. Inquire about the duration and intensity of the swelling, whether it is generalized or localized, and whether any other symptoms are present.

2. Review medical history: Evaluate any pre-existing conditions that the patient may have, such as diabetes, hypertension, or kidney problems. These conditions can contribute to edema during pregnancy.

3. Assess lifestyle factors: Inquire about the patient's dietary habits, fluid intake, and physical activity levels. Poor nutrition, excess salt consumption, dehydration, and lack of physical movement can all contribute to edema.

4. Consider pregnancy-related factors: Understand the patient's gestational age and any complications that might be associated with the pregnancy. Conditions like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or venous insufficiency may cause edema.

Once you have gathered all the necessary information, you can provide an informed response to the patient. It is always recommended to reassure her that mild edema is common during pregnancy, especially in the lower extremities. However, persistent or severe swelling should not be ignored, as it may indicate an underlying issue that requires further evaluation.

To alleviate her concerns and manage the edema, you can suggest the following measures:

- Encourage proper diet and hydration: Advise the patient to consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting salt intake. Also, emphasize the importance of staying adequately hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

- Elevate the legs and feet: Recommend that the patient elevates her legs and feet whenever possible, especially when resting or sleeping. This helps reduce fluid buildup and improve circulation.

- Regular physical activity: Suggest engaging in gentle exercises, such as walking or prenatal yoga, to promote blood circulation and reduce swelling.

- Wear comfortable footwear: Advise the patient to choose comfortable, supportive shoes and avoid tight socks or stockings.

- Consider compression stockings: If the edema is severe or causing discomfort, the patient may benefit from wearing compression stockings. These can help improve circulation and reduce swelling.

- Monitor for complications: Instruct the patient to keep track of any changes or worsening symptoms and to report them promptly. This ensures timely intervention if any complications arise.

Remember, this is a general approach, and it is vital to tailor the advice to the specific needs and medical history of the patient. If the swelling persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it is important to schedule a follow-up appointment for further evaluation and management.