A nurse is caring for a 37-year-old gravida para client who is at 14 weeks of gestation.
The client asks, "Why are you taking my blood pressure? It's always been normal.”. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
"No need to worry about that, let's talk about how you're feeling.”.
"Because blood pressure often increases early in the second trimester of pregnancy.”.
"Your age is a risk factor for developing high blood pressure during pregnancy.”.
"We take blood pressure on all pregnant clients as part of routine care.”.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
While addressing the client's feelings is important, dismissing the need for blood pressure monitoring is not appropriate nursing practice during pregnancy. Routine blood pressure checks are essential for detecting potential complications.
Choice B rationale
While blood pressure can increase in the second trimester due to physiological changes like increased blood volume, it doesn't invariably increase early in the second trimester, and this statement might cause unnecessary alarm if the client's blood pressure is currently normal.
Choice C rationale
Advanced maternal age (typically over 35) is a risk factor for gestational hypertension, but stating this directly without knowing the client's baseline blood pressure or other risk factors might be alarming and isn't the primary reason for routine monitoring at every prenatal visit.
Choice D rationale
Routine blood pressure monitoring is a standard component of prenatal care for all pregnant clients, regardless of their past medical history or perceived risk. This allows for the early detection of gestational hypertension or preeclampsia, which can develop even in women with previously normal blood pressure. Early detection and management are crucial for maternal and fetal well-being.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Elevating the mother's legs may help with venous return and circulation, but it does not directly address a soft and boggy uterus, which indicates uterine atony and a risk for hemorrhage. The immediate priority is to promote uterine contraction.
Choice B rationale
A soft and boggy uterus indicates uterine atony, a primary cause of postpartum hemorrhage. Massaging the fundus stimulates the uterine muscles to contract, which helps to compress the blood vessels at the placental site and reduce bleeding. This is the most appropriate initial intervention to address uterine atony.
Choice C rationale
Encouraging the mother to void is important in the postpartum period as a full bladder can displace the uterus and interfere with its ability to contract. However, in the presence of a soft and boggy uterus, the immediate priority is to directly stimulate uterine contraction through fundal massage before addressing bladder emptying.
Choice D rationale
Pushing on the uterus to express clots without first ensuring the uterus is firm is contraindicated. A soft, atonic uterus is more susceptible to inversion if pressure is applied. Fundal massage should be performed first to encourage uterine contraction and firmness before attempting to express any clots.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While addressing the client's pain is important, the priority action should be to assess the underlying cause of the concerning vital signs before offering pain medication.
Choice B rationale
Positioning the client with one hip elevated is a measure used to relieve potential vena cava compression, but the low blood pressure warrants immediate attention and further evaluation before implementing this intervention.
Choice C rationale
Having the client void may be a helpful intervention in some labor situations, but the combination of a low maternal blood pressure and a high maternal heart rate requires immediate notification of the provider.
Choice D rationale
The client's low blood pressure (82/54 mm Hg) and elevated maternal heart rate (128/min) in the presence of contractions with a duration of 1 minute and a frequency of 3 minutes are concerning findings that warrant immediate notification of the provider for further evaluation and management. These vital signs could indicate maternal hypovolemia, dehydration, or other complications. .
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