A patient with positive home pregnancy test and dilated cervix expresses that she is preparing for the loss. Which statement reflects this understanding?

• A. I will need to remain on bed rest for 2 weeks.
• B. I will need to take a full course of antibiotic treatment.
• C. I will need to take tocolytic medication to halt the labor process.
• D. I will need to prepare myself and my family for the loss of this pregnancy.

Answer: (D)

The key idea is recognizing and supporting anticipatory grief and coping in a patient facing imminent loss of pregnancy. When the cervix is dilated and the patient talks about preparing for the loss, the nurse should validate her emotions, help her plan for bereavement, and connect her with support for both herself and her family.

That statement shows understanding by prioritizing emotional and social preparation—acknowledging that loss is likely and that planning, along with support systems, is part of the care. Interventions like bed rest, antibiotics, or tocolytic medications aren’t appropriate here: bed rest isn’t proven to prevent loss, antibiotics aren’t indicated without an infection, and tocolytics don’t halt labor once the cervix is dilated in an inevitable miscarriage.

So, the best approach is to focus on coping, resources, and future planning with the patient and family.