Maternity Nursing Q 43
When a pregnant woman experiences leg cramps, the correct nursing intervention to relieve the muscle cramps is:
A. Allow the woman to exercise.
B. Let the woman walk for a while.
C. Let the woman lie down and dorsiflex the foot towards the knees.
D. Ask the woman to raise her legs.
Correct Answer: C. Let the woman lie down and dorsiflex the foot towards the knees
Leg cramps are caused by the contraction of the gastrocnemius (leg muscle). Thus, the intervention is to stretch the muscle by dorsiflexing the foot of the affected leg towards the knee.
Option A: During pregnancy, exercise can reduce backaches, constipation, bloating, and swelling; boost the mood and energy levels; help the woman sleep better; prevent excess weight gain; and promote muscle tone, strength, and endurance.
Option B: For most pregnant women, at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise is recommended on most, if not all, days of the week. Walking is a great exercise for beginners. It provides moderate aerobic conditioning with minimal stress on the joints.
Option D: Elevating the legs is a great way to relieve leg pain during pregnancy. Lie back on the couch or bed and place both legs on a pillow. Raising both legs just 6-12 inches above the heart allows gravity to help pull the blood back toward the heart.