A client at 32 weeks gestation visits the women’s health clinic and reports feeling nauseous and vomiting. Upon examination, the nurse notes that the client’s blood pressure is elevated.
What should the nurse do next?
Inspect the client’s face for edema.
Inquire about a history of cluster headaches.
Determine the frequency of headaches.
Monitor and time the client’s contractions.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
A client at 32 weeks gestation reporting nausea, vomiting, and elevated blood pressure could be showing signs of a condition called gestational hypertension or preeclampsia. This condition can affect the health of both the mother and the baby, depending on how severe the issue is. Inspecting the client’s face for edema is a relevant next step because swelling in the face, hands, or fingers is a common symptom of preeclampsia.
Choice B rationale
While headaches can be a symptom of preeclampsia, asking about a history of cluster headaches may not be the most immediate concern in this situation. Cluster headaches are a specific type of headache that is not directly related to pregnancy or preeclampsia.
Choice C rationale
Determining the frequency of headaches could be useful in assessing the client’s overall health, but it may not be the most immediate concern when the client is showing potential signs of preeclampsia.
Choice D rationale
Monitoring and timing the client’s contractions would be more relevant if the client was in labor or showing signs of preterm labor. In this case, the client’s symptoms are more indicative of a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
In a situation where a client at 28 weeks gestation is in preterm labor and it is not expected that the fetus will survive after delivery, the nurse’s initial action should be to contact spiritual support services. This can provide much-needed emotional and spiritual support to the client during this difficult time.
Choice B rationale
While providing information about an autopsy might be necessary at some point, it should not be the initial action. The first response should be focused on providing emotional support.
Choice C rationale
Discussing neonatal resuscitation options might not be appropriate in this scenario, especially if it’s not expected that the fetus will survive. The initial focus should be on providing emotional support.
Choice D rationale
Contacting the organ donation organization is not the initial action to take in this situation. The first response should be providing emotional and spiritual support to the client.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While nausea and vomiting can occur in the postpartum period, they are not the highest priority for a client with a history of rheumatic fever and heart damage. These symptoms are usually self-limiting and can be managed with antiemetics.
Choice B rationale
Fluid volume excess is the highest priority for a client with a history of rheumatic fever and heart damage. Rheumatic heart disease can result in impaired heart function, making it difficult for the heart to handle increased fluid volumes that occur during pregnancy and the postpartum period. This can lead to heart failure.
Choice C rationale
While sleep deprivation can occur in the postpartum period, it is not the highest priority for a client with a history of rheumatic fever and heart damage. Adequate rest is important for recovery, but it does not directly address the client’s risk of heart failure.
Choice D rationale
While infection is a concern in the postpartum period, it is not the highest priority for a client with a history of rheumatic fever and heart damage. While infection can exacerbate heart failure, the immediate concern is managing the client’s fluid volume to prevent heart failure.
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