A client who is 7 months pregnant experiences severe leg cramps at night. Which nursing action would be most effective in helping her cope?

A client who is 7 months pregnant experiences severe leg cramps at night. Which nursing action would be most effective in helping her cope?

• A. Dorsiflex the foot during the cramp
• B. Massage the calf during the cramp
• C. Apply heat to the leg during the cramp
• D. Stand and stretch the leg without bending the knee

Answer: (A)

When a calf cramp occurs, the quickest way to stop the spasm is to lengthen the muscle by moving the foot into dorsiflexion (toes pointed upward toward the shin). This action stretches the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, interrupting the sudden, painful contraction and providing rapid relief. Keeping the knee relatively straight helps maximize the stretch of the gastrocnemius, which is often the cramping muscle in the calf. How to do it: gently pull the toes toward the shin and hold the stretch for about 15–30 seconds, then release. If helpful, a light massage after the initial stretch can ease residual tightness once the cramp begins to subside. Context: leg cramps are common in the third trimester due to pregnancy-related changes in circulation and electrolytes. Staying hydrated and performing regular calf stretches before bed can help prevent recurrences. Other remedies like heat or massaging during the spasm may provide comfort but don’t relieve the contraction as effectively as the direct stretch achieved with dorsiflexion.

When a calf cramp occurs, the quickest way to stop the spasm is to lengthen the muscle by moving the foot into dorsiflexion (toes pointed upward toward the shin). This action stretches the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, interrupting the sudden, painful contraction and providing rapid relief. Keeping the knee relatively straight helps maximize the stretch of the gastrocnemius, which is often the cramping muscle in the calf.

How to do it: gently pull the toes toward the shin and hold the stretch for about 15–30 seconds, then release. If helpful, a light massage after the initial stretch can ease residual tightness once the cramp begins to subside.

Context: leg cramps are common in the third trimester due to pregnancy-related changes in circulation and electrolytes. Staying hydrated and performing regular calf stretches before bed can help prevent recurrences. Other remedies like heat or massaging during the spasm may provide comfort but don’t relieve the contraction as effectively as the direct stretch achieved with dorsiflexion.