A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a 19-year-old female client who is at 18 weeks of gestation. The client presents with reports of nausea and vomiting for the past several weeks, which has worsened in severity. The client states that she has been unable to retain even clear fluids for the past 48 hours. The client reports no pain but has a history of migraines and asthma.
Exhibits
The Correct Answer is []
• Hyperemesis gravidarum: The client’s symptoms such as severe nausea and vomiting, inability to retain clear fluids, and positive ketones in urinalysis suggest that she is most likely experiencing hyperemesis gravidarum, a pregnancy complication characterized by severe nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and electrolyte disturbance.
• Actions to take: The nurse should administer the prescribed antiemetic medication to help control the client’s nausea and vomiting. The nurse should also provide IV fluid replacement to correct the client’s dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
• Parameters to monitor: The nurse should monitor the client’s urine output to assess her hydration status. The nurse should also monitor the client’s electrolyte levels, as electrolyte imbalances can occur with severe vomiting and dehydration. If the client’s condition does not improve or worsens, the nurse should notify the healthcare provider immediately.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale: The client’s hematocrit level is 27%, which is below the normal range (greater than 39%). This could indicate anemia, which can be caused by blood loss. Given the client’s report of a “gush” of blood and the nurse’s observation of a moderate amount of bright red vaginal bleeding, this is a concerning finding that requires immediate follow-up. Anemia in pregnancy can lead to complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal mortality.
Choice B rationale: The client’s fundal height is 33 cm, which is appropriate for a gestational age of 33 weeks. Fundal height is measured from the top of the pubic bone to the top of the uterus, and in centimeters, it should roughly equal the number of weeks of gestation. Therefore, this finding does not require immediate follow-up.
Choice C rationale: The client reports feeling a “gush” of blood and the nurse observes a moderate amount of bright red vaginal bleeding. This is a concerning finding given the client’s diagnosis of complete placenta previa, a condition where the placenta
completely covers the cervix. Vaginal bleeding in this context can indicate placental abruption, a serious complication where the placenta detaches from the uterus before childbirth. This requires immediate follow-up.
Choice D rationale: The client’s platelet count is 160,000/mm³, which is within the normal range (150,000 to 400,000/mm³). This indicates that the client’s blood clotting function is currently adequate. While platelet count can decrease with significant blood loss, the client’s current platelet count does not indicate a potential complication of pregnancy.
Choice E rationale: The client’s fetal heart rate is 174/min, which is above the normal range (110 to 160/min). This could indicate fetal tachycardia, which can be a response to maternal blood loss, maternal fever, or fetal hypoxia. This is a concerning finding that requires immediate follow-up.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Correct answer: C. Poor feeding
Newborns exposed to methadone in utero are at risk for neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), which can manifest with:
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Poor feeding due to uncoordinated suck and swallow reflexes, irritability, and gastrointestinal symptoms.
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High-pitched cry, not weak—so option B is incorrect.
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Exaggerated Moro reflex, not absent—so option A is incorrect.
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Tachypnea (rapid breathing), often >60/min—so a respiratory rate of 30/min is abnormally low and not expected in this context, making option D incorrect.
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