A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who is pregnant
The nurse is reviewing the client's medical record.
Select 4 findings that the nurse should identify as a potential prenatal complication.
Urine protein
Respiratory rate
Gravida/parity
Urine ketones
Headache
Fetal activity
Blood pressure
Correct Answer : A,E,F,G
- Urine protein: The presence of 3+ proteinuria is a significant finding suggestive of preeclampsia. Protein in the urine indicates renal involvement due to endothelial dysfunction, which is a hallmark complication in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and needs immediate attention.
- Respiratory rate: A respiratory rate of 16/min falls within the normal adult range of 12 to 20 breaths per minute. There is no evidence of respiratory distress, tachypnea, or bradypnea, so this finding does not suggest a prenatal complication.
- Gravida/parity: Although the client has a history of one preterm birth, gravida and parity alone are not indicators of a current prenatal complication. It is important background information but does not point directly to an acute complication at this time.
- Urine ketones: The absence of ketones in the urine is a normal finding. If ketones were present, it could suggest dehydration, starvation, or uncontrolled diabetes, but since they are negative, ketones are not a concern for prenatal complication here.
- Headache: A severe headache unrelieved by acetaminophen in a pregnant woman can signal worsening hypertension or preeclampsia. Persistent headaches are a concerning symptom that warrants immediate evaluation and management to prevent maternal and fetal harm.
- Fetal activity: Decreased fetal movement is a worrisome sign of possible fetal compromise, such as hypoxia or placental insufficiency. Reduced movements require further fetal assessment and monitoring to ensure fetal well-being.
- Blood pressure: A blood pressure reading of 162/112 mm Hg is severely elevated and meets the diagnostic criteria for severe preeclampsia. Uncontrolled hypertension during pregnancy places both the mother and fetus at significant risk for serious complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Hypertension: Clients experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) are more likely to present with hypotension rather than hypertension due to dehydration caused by osmotic diuresis. Volume depletion significantly lowers blood pressure rather than raising it in the setting of DKA.
B. Fruity breath odor: A fruity or acetone-like breath odor is a hallmark sign of DKA. It results from the accumulation of ketones, particularly acetone, in the blood, which the body attempts to eliminate through the lungs, giving the breath its characteristic sweet or fruity smell.
C. Protruding eyeballs: Protruding eyeballs, or exophthalmos, are associated with hyperthyroidism, particularly Graves' disease, not with diabetic ketoacidosis. DKA affects metabolic and acid-base balance but does not cause changes to eye appearance or positioning.
D. Decreased urinary output: In the early stages of DKA, clients usually experience increased urinary output (polyuria) due to osmotic diuresis from hyperglycemia. Decreased output may occur only in the later stages when severe dehydration and kidney compromise develop, but it is not an early expected finding.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Provide the client with low-calorie formula: The calorie content of the formula is not typically responsible for diarrhea. Diarrhea is more often related to formula intolerance, contamination, or rapid feeding rates rather than calorie density.
B. Increase the rate of the client's feeding: Increasing the rate can worsen diarrhea by overwhelming the gastrointestinal system, leading to poor absorption and increased fluid loss. Slower rates are often needed if diarrhea occurs.
C. Switch the client to a formula containing less protein: Protein content is usually not the cause of diarrhea. Specialized formulas may be needed for certain conditions, but protein itself is not typically a trigger for diarrhea.
D. Administer the client's formula at room temperature: Cold formula can cause gastric cramping and diarrhea. Administering the formula at room temperature helps reduce gastrointestinal irritation and promotes better tolerance of the feeding.
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