A nurse is assessing a client who is taking clozapine. For which of the following adverse effects should the nurse monitor and report to the provider?

Rationale for Correct Choices:

• Seizures: The client presents with severe preeclampsia, indicated by BP >160/110 mm Hg, 3+ proteinuria, hyperreflexia (patellar reflex 4+), and persistent headache. These are strong predictors of progression to eclampsia, which is marked by seizures.
• Placental Abruption: Severe hypertension increases the risk of placental abruption due to vascular compromise in the uteroplacental circulation. Decreased fetal movement may be an early warning sign of impaired placental perfusion or separation.

Rationale for Incorrect Choices:

• Cervical Insufficiency: This is a painless cervical dilation often leading to second-trimester loss, unrelated to hypertension or proteinuria. The client is in the third trimester with no signs of cervical changes.
• Hypoglycemia: The client has no history of diabetes, glucose intolerance, or related symptoms. Her urine glucose was only trace, and no medications suggest insulin use.
• Heart Failure: No signs of pulmonary congestion, dyspnea, or elevated heart rate are present. Oxygen saturation is normal, and breath sounds are not mentioned as abnormal, making CHF unlikely at this stage.

Rationale:

A. Ask an experienced nurse to assist with the procedure: Seeking guidance from an experienced nurse supports safe practice and skill development. It ensures the procedure is performed correctly while providing an opportunity for supervised learning, which is appropriate for a newly licensed nurse.

B. Delegate the task to an assistive personnel: Tracheal suctioning is a sterile and invasive procedure that requires the clinical judgment and skills of a registered nurse. It should not be delegated to assistive personnel who are not trained or licensed to perform such procedures.

C. Refuse to take the assignment: Refusing the assignment without attempting to seek help or learn is not a constructive or professional approach. Nurses are expected to seek support when performing unfamiliar but appropriate tasks within their role.

D. Identify that the task is in the scope of RN practice and perform the suctioning: While it is within the RN scope, performing a skill without training or supervision may compromise patient safety. Competence must be demonstrated or developed with supervision before performing independently.