FAU Advanced Health Assessment Practice Test

What is a crucial question to ask a pregnant woman who presents with headache and abdominal pain to ensure her safety?

1. Have you been eating properly?

2. How much water do you drink daily?

3. Do you feel safe at home?

4. Are you exercising regularly?

The correct answer is: Do you feel safe at home?

Understanding a pregnant woman's safety is paramount, especially when she presents with symptoms like headache and abdominal pain, which could indicate various complications. Asking if she feels safe at home addresses the potential risk of domestic violence, which can pose significant harm during pregnancy. This question allows the healthcare provider to gauge not just the physical health of the mother but also her emotional and psychological well-being. In cases where safety concerns are present, timely intervention can become crucial to protect both the mother and the fetus. While ensuring proper hydration, nutrition, and exercise are important for overall health during pregnancy, they do not address immediate safety concerns related to her environment, which could more urgently impact her and her baby's health if domestic violence or similar issues are involved.