Which statement is incorrect regarding management of minor discomfort during pregnancy?

NORCET-7 Mains-2024

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Hard

Appeared in: NORCET-7 Mains-2024

Explanation

The statement about managing round ligament pain is incorrect because it pairs the condition with the wrong treatment.
Calcium supplements are indicated for the management of leg cramps during pregnancy, which can be caused by calcium-phosphorus imbalances.
The correct management for round ligament pain involves rest, avoiding sudden movements, applying gentle heat, and performing specific stretching exercises like pelvic tilts.
There is no evidence to support the use of calcium supplements for relieving round ligament pain.

Option A: This statement is correct. Preventing constipation is the cornerstone of managing hemorrhoids. A high-fiber diet, adequate fluid intake, and regular exercise all contribute to softer stools and reduced straining.
Option B: This statement is correct. Eating dry carbohydrates like biscuits before rising can help absorb stomach acid and reduce nausea. Peppermint is a well-known carminative that can help soothe the stomach.
Option C: This statement is correct. Elevating the legs at or above the level of the heart helps gravity assist with venous return, reducing the pooling of fluid (edema) in the lower extremities.

Visual 1: Diagram - An illustration showing the location of the round ligaments in pregnancy, stretching from the uterus down to the groin, to help learners visualize the source of the pain.
Visual 2: Infographic - A chart comparing different minor discomforts of pregnancy (e.g., leg cramps vs. round ligament pain) with their distinct causes and correct management strategies.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Management of minor discomforts during pregnancy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must provide accurate education on managing common pregnancy discomforts to improve patient comfort and reduce anxiety.
It is crucial to differentiate between normal discomforts and signs of potential complications. For example, while mild ankle edema is normal, sudden or severe swelling, especially if accompanied by headache or vision changes, could indicate preeclampsia and requires immediate medical evaluation.
Patient education should always include 'red flag' symptoms that warrant contacting a healthcare provider.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core task: The question asks to find the INCORRECT statement. This means you are looking for a mismatch between a condition and its management.
Read each option carefully, breaking it down into the 'condition' and the 'intervention'.
For Option A: Condition = Haemorrhoids. Intervention = High fiber, fluids, exercise. Does this match? Yes, this prevents constipation, the main cause.
For Option B: Condition = Nausea/vomiting. Intervention = Biscuits, peppermint tea. Does this match? Yes, these are standard non-pharmacological remedies.
For Option C: Condition = Ankle oedema. Intervention = Leg elevation. Does this match? Yes, this promotes venous return.
For Option D: Condition = Round ligament stretches. Intervention = Calcium supplements, exercises. Does this match? Recall or look up the indications for calcium in pregnancy. Calcium is for leg cramps. The intervention does not match the condition. This is the incorrect statement.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Management of minor discomforts during pregnancy.
Stem keywords: management, minor discomfort, pregnancy
Lead-in keywords: incorrect
Negative lead-in flag: The question asks for the INCORRECT statement, meaning three options are correct and one is false.

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