GMCH Chandigarh - 2019
Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Medium
Which of the following is the best method to relieve constipation during pregnancy?
Appeared in: GMCH Chandigarh - 2019
Explanation
- The safest and most recommended first-line treatment for constipation in pregnancy is increasing dietary fiber and fluid intake.
- Hormonal changes (increased progesterone) during pregnancy slow gastrointestinal motility, and increased fiber helps add bulk to the stool, promoting regular bowel movements.
- Dietary modifications, such as eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, address the root cause without the risks associated with medications.
Why Other Options Were Wrong
- Option A: This position has no effect on bowel function and is discouraged in later pregnancy because it can cause supine hypotensive syndrome by compressing major blood vessels.
- Option C: Reducing iron intake is dangerous as it can lead to maternal anemia and compromise fetal health. Iron is a vital nutrient during pregnancy.
- Option D: Laxatives are considered a second or third-line treatment, not the 'best' initial method. They should only be used after dietary and lifestyle changes have failed and under medical supervision.
Related Visual
Clinical Relevance
- Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Management of constipation during pregnancy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
- Patient education is a key nursing role. Nurses should teach pregnant women about the importance of a high-fiber diet (25-35 grams/day) and adequate fluid intake (8-10 glasses/day) as the primary strategy for preventing and managing constipation.
- Nurses must advise patients to consult their healthcare provider before taking any over-the-counter medications, including laxatives, during pregnancy.
- What if? If a pregnant patient reports that increasing fiber and fluids has not resolved her constipation after a week, the nurse should advise her to contact her healthcare provider. The provider may then consider prescribing a bulk-forming agent like psyllium, which is generally considered safe in pregnancy.
How to Approach the Question
- First, identify the core of the question: it asks for the 'best' method to manage a common issue in pregnancy (constipation).
- Analyze the options based on safety and standard medical practice during pregnancy. The 'best' method is usually the safest and most natural one.
- Recall that pregnancy care prioritizes non-pharmacological interventions over medication whenever possible.
- Evaluate each option: Increasing fiber is a natural, safe, and effective lifestyle modification. Lying on the back is ineffective and potentially harmful. Reducing iron is contraindicated. Laxatives are a secondary option, not the first or 'best' choice.
- Conclude that increasing intake of vegetables and fruits (fiber) is the most appropriate initial intervention.
Concept Tested & Keywords
- Concept Tested: Management of constipation during pregnancy
- Stem keywords: constipation, pregnancy, relieve
- Lead-in keywords: best method
- Negative lead-in flag: false
Question ID
QOJ4lYXT2OF50MK-WXhPaj
Reference Book
E6 Nutrition Monika Sharma 3e p. 210-212
E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 623-625
E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 6 p. 35-37
Practise the full GMCH Chandigarh - 2019
Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.
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