A nurse in a clinic is caring for an adolescent client who is at 24 weeks of gestation and showing signs of preeclampsia. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Rationale:

A. Fibrocystic breast condition: This benign breast disorder does not interfere with the use of oral contraceptives. In fact, hormonal birth control may sometimes reduce breast pain and nodularity associated with this condition.

B. Hypertension: High blood pressure is a known contraindication for oral contraceptive use, especially if it is uncontrolled. Estrogen-containing contraceptives can further elevate blood pressure and increase the risk of cardiovascular events such as stroke or myocardial infarction.

C. Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia does not interact with oral contraceptives and is not a contraindication. While hormonal changes may influence pain perception, there is no direct risk in using contraceptives for someone with this condition.

D. Asthma: Asthma is not a contraindication to using oral contraceptives. There is no evidence that hormonal contraceptives worsen asthma symptoms or interfere with its management.

Rationale:

A. Increased platelet count: Preeclampsia is often associated with thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), not an increase. A falling platelet count can be a warning sign of worsening disease or progression to HELLP syndrome.

B. Increased protein in urine: Proteinuria is one of the hallmark signs of preeclampsia, resulting from glomerular damage in the kidneys. A 24-hour urine protein test or dipstick is commonly used to detect elevated protein levels during pregnancy.

C. Decreased BUN: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) may increase if renal perfusion is compromised, but a decrease is not typical in preeclampsia. Kidney involvement often leads to elevated BUN and creatinine levels.

D. Decreased serum uric acid: Preeclampsia usually causes elevated serum uric acid levels due to decreased renal clearance. A drop in uric acid would be inconsistent with this diagnosis