A hospice nurse is visiting with the son of a client who has terminal cancer.
The son reports sleeping very little during the past week due to caring for his mother.
Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

The correct answer is choice A, B, D, and F.

Choice A rationale:

The presence of protein in the urine (proteinuria) is a sign of potential prenatal complication. Normally, urine should be protein negative. Proteinuria can be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious condition that includes high blood pressure and swelling, and can lead to preterm birth or other serious complications if not managed.

Choice B rationale:

The client’s blood pressure is 162/112 mm Hg, which is significantly higher than the normal range (less than 120/80 mm Hg). High blood pressure during pregnancy could indicate preeclampsia or other complications.

Choice C rationale:

The client’s respiratory rate is 16/min, which falls within the normal range (12-20 breaths per minute). Therefore, it does not indicate a potential prenatal complication.

Choice D rationale:

The client’s report of a severe headache unrelieved by acetaminophen is concerning. This could be a symptom of preeclampsia or other serious conditions and should be investigated further.

Choice E rationale:

The client’s gravida/parity (G3 P2 with one preterm birth) does not directly indicate a potential prenatal complication. However, a history of preterm birth could put the client at higher risk for another preterm birth.

Choice F rationale:

The client’s report of decreased fetal movement is concerning. Decreased fetal movement can be a sign of fetal distress or other complications and should be investigated further.

Choice G rationale:

The client’s urine does not contain ketones, which would indicate that the body is using fat for energy instead of glucose. This could occur in cases of poor nutrition or gestational diabetes. Since the urine is ketone negative, this does not indicate a potential prenatal complication.

Choice A rationale:

Upper extremity hypotension is not a common finding in coarctation of the aorta. Coarctation of the aorta typically results in narrowing of the aorta, leading to decreased blood flow to the lower part of the body. This can cause weak or absent femoral pulses and lower extremity hypotension, not upper extremity hypotension.

Choice B rationale:

Frequent nosebleeds are not directly associated with coarctation of the aorta. The symptoms of coarctation of the aorta are primarily related to decreased blood flow to the lower extremities, leading to symptoms such as weak femoral pulses, lower extremity hypotension, and leg cramping or pain.

Choice D rationale:

Increased intracranial pressure is not a typical finding in coarctation of the aorta. Coarctation of the aorta affects blood flow to the lower part of the body and does not directly impact intracranial pressure.