A new patient is being assessed by the perinatal nurse. For exercise, the woman practices yoga five ...

ANS: A
Women should adhere to some basic safety guidelines when formulating an exercise program. These guidelines include monitoring the breathing rate; ensuring that the ability to walk and talk comfortably is maintained during the physical activity; stopping the exercise when tired; avoiding exercises that can cause any degree of trauma to the abdomen or those that include rigorous bouncing, arching of the back, or bending beyond a 45-degree angle; and maintaining an adequate fluid intake. Because yoga involves different positions, the nurse should assess whether the patient engages in positions that involve arching the back. Swimming is good exercise and she should stop exercising if she gets fatigued, but asking about positions involves an immediate possible threat to the safety of the fetus. Extra water is needed no matter what type of exercise is being done.