A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who is pregnant.
Nurses' Notes.
0900: Client is at 31 weeks of gestation and presents with a severe headache unrelieved by acetaminophen.
Client also reports urinary frequency and decreased fetal movement.
Client is a. gravida 3, para 2 with one preterm birth.
The nurse is reviewing the client's medical record.
Select 4 findings that the nurse should identify as a potential prenatal complication
Blood pressure.
Respiratory rate.
Gravida/parity.
Fetal activity.
Headache.
Urine ketones.
Urine protein.
Correct Answer : A,D,E,G
Choice A rationale:
Blood pressure is a crucial parameter to monitor in a pregnant woman. A significant increase in blood pressure could indicate a condition called preeclampsia, which is characterized by high blood pressure and damage to another organ system, often the liver and kidneys. Preeclampsia usually begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy in women whose blood pressure had been normal. Left untreated, preeclampsia can lead to serious — even fatal — complications for both mother and baby.
Choice B rationale:
While the respiratory rate is an important vital sign, it does not directly indicate a prenatal complication in this context. Normal respiratory rates for an adult range from 12 to 20 breaths per minute. Changes could indicate a respiratory problem but not specifically a prenatal complication.
Choice C rationale:
Gravida/parity is a standard way to denote a woman's reproductive history but does not indicate a prenatal complication. Gravida refers to the number of times a woman has been pregnant, regardless of the outcome, while parity refers to the number of pregnancies carried past 20 weeks, regardless of whether they were born alive or stillborn.
Choice D rationale:
Decreased fetal activity can be a sign of distress in the fetus. It could indicate complications such as poor oxygenation or other conditions that could affect the health of the baby. It's important for pregnant women to monitor their baby's movements daily after 28 weeks.
Choice E rationale:
A severe headache unrelieved by acetaminophen in a pregnant woman could be a sign of preeclampsia, especially when accompanied by other symptoms such as high blood pressure and changes in vision. This should be evaluated immediately.
Choice F rationale:
Urine ketones are usually checked in pregnant women who have symptoms of a condition called ketoacidosis, which is often seen in women with gestational diabetes. However, this condition is not indicated in this scenario.
Choice G rationale:
Protein in the urine is another potential sign of preeclampsia. It's caused by kidney problems resulting from the high blood pressure. In normal conditions, protein should not be present in urine or should be very low.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is not typically associated with hyponatremia. Hyponatremia is characterized by low levels of sodium in the blood, which can lead to symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and muscle cramps. Hypertension is more commonly associated with conditions like hypertension itself or conditions that cause fluid retention.
Choice B rationale:
Constipation is not a typical finding in hyponatremia. Hyponatremia is more likely to cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Constipation is not a direct consequence of low sodium levels in the blood.
Choice C rationale:
Muscle cramps are a common manifestation of hyponatremia. Low sodium levels can lead to an imbalance in electrolytes, affecting muscle function and leading to muscle cramps and weakness. Monitoring for muscle cramps is important in clients with hyponatremia.
Choice D rationale:
Blurred vision is not a classic symptom of hyponatremia. Hyponatremia is more likely to cause neurological symptoms such as confusion, headache, and in severe cases, seizures. Blurred vision is typically associated with other eye or visual disorders and not directly related to low sodium levels in the blood.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The client with cirrhosis and severe pruritus is experiencing discomfort, but it is not an immediate life-threatening situation. The priority should be given to clients with conditions that pose an immediate risk to life.
Choice B rationale:
Numbness of the toes in a client with a femur fracture can indicate compromised circulation or nerve damage. This is a critical situation that requires immediate assessment and intervention to prevent complications like compartment syndrome or permanent nerve damage.
Choice C rationale:
A client who had a laparoscopic appendectomy 8 hours ago and is awaiting discharge is likely stable. While they need monitoring, it is not an urgent priority compared to the client with a potential vascular or nerve issue.
Choice D rationale:
Pink-tinged urine after a renal biopsy could indicate some bleeding, but it is not as urgent as the situation of the client with a femur fracture and numbness of the toes.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.