A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a 19-year-old patient who is at 18 weeks of gestation.
The patient presents with reports of nausea and vomiting for the past several weeks, which has worsened in severity. The patient states that they have been unable to retain even clear fluids for the past 48 hours.
The patient reports no pain.
The patient reports a history of migraines and asthma.
What condition is the patient most likely experiencing? What are two actions the nurse should take to address that condition, and what are two parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the patient’s progress?
Dehydration
Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Gastroenteritis
Food Poisoning
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Dehydration could be a result of prolonged nausea and vomiting, but it is not the primary condition. Dehydration is a complication, not the cause of the symptoms.
Choice B rationale
The patient is most likely experiencing Hyperemesis Gravidarum, a severe form of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. It’s more extreme than the typical morning sickness experienced during pregnancy and can lead to weight loss and dehydration. The nurse should ensure the patient stays hydrated and monitor their weight. Antiemetic medications may be prescribed to help control the vomiting.
Choice C rationale
Gastroenteritis typically involves both vomiting and diarrhea, often accompanied by abdominal pain and fever. The patient’s symptoms do not indicate gastroenteritis.
Choice D rationale
Food poisoning is usually associated with consuming contaminated food or water and often involves symptoms such as abdominal cramps and diarrhea, which the patient does not report.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Gestational diabetes mellitus is not a contraindication for a contraction stress test. This condition affects how the mother’s body uses glucose (sugar) during pregnancy, but it does not interfere with the ability to perform a contraction stress test.
Choice B rationale
A previous stillbirth is not a contraindication for a contraction stress test. A stillbirth refers to the loss of a baby after 20 weeks of pregnancy. While this is a significant event, it does not prevent the mother from undergoing a contraction stress test in a subsequent pregnancy.
Choice C rationale
A nonreactive nonstress test is not a contraindication for a contraction stress test. A nonreactive nonstress test indicates that the baby’s heart rate does not speed up (or “react”) as it should when the baby moves. However, this result does not prevent the mother from undergoing a contraction stress test.
Choice D rationale
A previous classical incision is a contraindication for a contraction stress test. A classical incision refers to a vertical cut in the upper part of the uterus, which is typically used during a cesarean section. This type of incision increases the risk of uterine rupture, which can be life- threatening for both the mother and the baby. Therefore, a contraction stress test, which induces contractions, should not be performed due to the risk of uterine rupture.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A WBC count of 11,000/mm is slightly above the normal range (5,000 to 10,000/mm), but it is not uncommon for the WBC count to increase during pregnancy due to physiological changes and increased stress on the body. However, a significantly elevated WBC count could indicate an infection or other medical condition, so it should be monitored closely.
Choice B rationale
A fasting blood glucose level of 180 mg/dL is significantly above the normal range (74 to 106 mg/dL), indicating hyperglycemia. This could be a sign of gestational diabetes, a condition that can develop during pregnancy and cause high blood sugar levels. Gestational diabetes can increase the risk of various pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia, premature birth, and having a baby with a high birth weight. Therefore, this finding should be reported to the provider immediately.
Choice C rationale
A hematocrit level of 37% is within the normal range (37% to 47%), so it would not typically be a cause for concern.
Choice D rationale
A creatinine level of 0.9 mg/dL is within the normal range (0.5 to 1 mg/dL), so it would not typically be a cause for concern.
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