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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"C"}
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A: Fat embolism syndrome.
Choice A rationale:
The client with an open fracture to the right femur is at risk for developing Fat Embolism Syndrome (FES) FES occurs when fat globules from the bone marrow or other tissues enter the bloodstream, leading to systemic complications. In this case, with an open fracture, there is a higher risk of fat emboli entering the circulation. The clinical manifestations of FES include respiratory distress, altered mental status, and petechial rash. These symptoms typically occur within 24-72 hours after the injury, which aligns with the timeline mentioned in the progress report on Day 1 of admission.
Choice B rationale:
Osteomyelitis is less likely to develop within the first 24 hours following a motor vehicle crash. It is an infection of the bone and typically takes more time to manifest. The early concerns in an open fracture involve the risk of infection, but osteomyelitis is not an immediate threat in this scenario.
Choice C rationale:
Compartment syndrome is a potential concern in orthopedic injuries, but it primarily arises due to increased pressure within a muscle compartment, causing reduced blood flow. While it is a valid concern, it is not typically associated with fat embolism syndrome, which is more specific to the release of fat globules into the bloodstream.
Choice D rationale:
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a concern in immobile patients or those with significant trauma, but it is not the most immediate concern in this case. DVT usually develops over time and is more associated with prolonged immobilization rather than the early stages of admission.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Severe nausea and vomiting are not typically associated with an ectopic pregnancy at 8 weeks of gestation. Instead, nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of a normal intrauterine pregnancy due to hormonal changes. Ectopic pregnancies often present with different symptoms, such as pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding.
Choice B rationale:
Pelvic pain is a common and concerning symptom of an ectopic pregnancy. It occurs because the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube, which can lead to pain and discomfort as the pregnancy progresses.
Choice C rationale:
Uterine enlargement greater than expected for gestational age is not a typical finding in an ectopic pregnancy. In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, so uterine enlargement is usually not evident or is less than expected for the gestational age.
Choice D rationale:
Copious vaginal bleeding is a possible but not specific finding in an ectopic pregnancy. While vaginal bleeding can occur, it is often not as heavy as the bleeding associated with a miscarriage or a normal intrauterine pregnancy. Pelvic pain is usually the more prominent symptom.
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