A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who has preeclampsia. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to an RN immediately?
2+ pitting edema of the lower extremities
Increased hemoglobin
Blood pressure 158/54 mm Hg
Client report of upper right quadrant pain
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale:
A. 2+ pitting edema of the lower extremities: Mild to moderate lower extremity edema is common in pregnancy and often seen in preeclampsia. While it should be monitored, it is not an immediate danger unless accompanied by other severe symptoms.
B. Increased hemoglobin: Hemoconcentration may occur in preeclampsia due to fluid shifting into interstitial spaces, but a mildly elevated hemoglobin alone does not warrant urgent intervention. It should be evaluated in the context of other lab and clinical findings.
C. Blood pressure 158/54 mm Hg: Although the systolic pressure is elevated, it does not meet the threshold of severe hypertension (>160 systolic or >110 diastolic). This finding warrants monitoring and documentation but is not the most urgent among the listed options.
D. Client report of upper right quadrant pain: Right upper quadrant or epigastric pain can signal liver involvement in severe preeclampsia, potentially indicating HELLP syndrome. This is a critical warning sign and requires immediate attention to prevent complications such as liver rupture or seizure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Dress the newborn in a warm gown when placing them next to the parent's skin: Skin-to-skin contact, not clothing layers, is the priority for thermoregulation in the first hours after birth. A warm gown may interfere with skin contact and reduce the effectiveness of heat transfer from parent to newborn.
B. Delay the newborn's feedings until their temperature is stabilized: Early feeding is encouraged for newborns to promote bonding, glucose stabilization, and warmth. Feeding should not be delayed, as it can help the baby generate heat through metabolism.
C. Postpone the newborn's initial bath: A newborn’s bath should be delayed until their temperature is stable to prevent further heat loss. Bathing can cause evaporation-related cooling, which may worsen mild hypothermia in a newborn during the early hours of life.
D. Place the swaddled newborn under a radiant warmer: Swaddling under a radiant warmer interferes with direct heat transfer. The newborn should be unclothed (except for a diaper) under the warmer to ensure effective warming through radiation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. "Prednisone can cause blood glucose levels to increase”: Prednisone is a corticosteroid that can increase blood glucose by promoting gluconeogenesis and reducing cellular glucose uptake. Monitoring glucose levels is important, especially in clients receiving moderate to high doses.
B. "Albuterol treatments can cause blood glucose levels to decrease.": Albuterol is more likely to cause mild hyperglycemia due to its beta-agonist activity, which can stimulate glycogenolysis. It does not typically cause a drop in blood glucose levels.
C. "Having COPD causes blood glucose levels to fluctuate.": COPD alone does not directly cause blood glucose fluctuations. However, glucose changes are more commonly influenced by treatments like corticosteroids rather than the disease itself.
D. "Older adults are at risk for developing type 1 diabetes mellitus.”: Type 1 diabetes is typically diagnosed in children and young adults due to autoimmune beta-cell destruction. Older adults are more at risk for type 2 diabetes, not type 1.
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