A charge nurse is teaching new staff members about factors that increase a client’s risk to become violent.

Which of the following risk factors should the nurse include as the best predictor of future violence?

According to the flashcards from Quizlet, a nurse should monitor a client who is at 33 weeks of gestation following an amniocentesis for contractions, as they are a sign of preterm labor and possible uterine rupture. An amniocentesis is a procedure that involves inserting a needle into the amniotic sac to obtain a sample of amniotic fluid for testing. It can cause complications such as bleeding, infection, leakage of fluid, and injury to the fetus or placenta.

Choice A is wrong because it is not a common complication of amniocentesis.

Epigastric pain is more likely to be associated with preeclampsia, a condition that causes high blood pressure and proteinuria in pregnancy. Epigastric pain can indicate severe preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets), which are life- threatening complications that require immediate medical attention.

Choice B is wrong because it is not a direct result of amniocentesis.

Hypertension can occur in pregnancy due to various factors, such as chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, or eclampsia. Hypertension can increase the risk of complications such as placental abruption, fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, and maternal stroke.

Choice D is wrong because it is not a typical complication of amniocentesis.

Vomiting can occur in pregnancy due to various causes, such as morning sickness, gastroenteritis, food poisoning, or hyperemesis gravidarum. Vomiting can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, weight loss, and malnutrition if not treated properly.

Some normal ranges that are relevant for this question are:

• The normal gestational age for delivery is between 37 and 42 weeks.

A baby born before 37 weeks is considered preterm and may have complications such as respiratory distress syndrome, bleeding in the brain, infection, or low blood sugar.

• The normal fetal heart rate is between 110 and 160 beats per minute.

A fetal heart rate below 110 or above 160 can indicate fetal distress or hypoxia.

• The normal amniotic fluid index (AFI) is between 8 and 18 cm.

An AFI below 5 cm is considered oligohydramnios and can indicate fetal growth restriction, kidney problems, or rupture of membranes.

An AFI above 24 cm is considered polyhydramnios and can indicate fetal anomalies, diabetes mellitus, or Rh incompatibility.

Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to inadequate oxygenation of the blood. It is more difficult to detect in people who have dark skin, so the nurse should look for cyanosis in areas where the skin is thinner and the blood supply is richer, such as the palms of the hands, the lips, the gums, and around the eyes.
These areas are less affected by melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color.

Choice A is wrong because an area of trauma may have bruising or inflammation that can mask cyanosis.
Choice B is wrong because the sacrum is not a good site to assess for cyanosis in any skin tone, as it is prone to pressure ulcers and poor circulation.
Choice C is wrong because the shoulders are not a mucous membrane and may have more melanin than other areas of the body.