A nurse is caring for a client.

Exhibits

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Nurses' Notes

0900:

Client who is at 38 weeks of gestation presents to the antepartum unit with uterine contractions, dark red vaginal bleeding, and abdominal pain that started approximately 45 min prior to arrival. Rates abdominal pain a 7 on a scale of 0 to 10. Client reports, "My blood pressure has been high during the pregnancy."

Home Medications: prenatal multivitamin, methyldopa 250 mg PO twice daily Physical Exam:

General: tearful, anxious

Cardiovascular: S1, S2, no murmur

Respiratory: bilateral breath sounds clear

Abdomen: Uterine hypertonicity with a board-like abdomen, tenderness noted upon palpation of left upper quadrant

FHR: 116/min, minimal variability noted

A. Abdominal circumference: The increase in abdominal circumference by 1 cm (0.4 in) since the prior assessment is concerning and may indicate a complication such as abdominal distension, which could be a sign of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) or other gastrointestinal issues. NEC is a serious condition that is common in preterm infants, especially those receiving enteral feedings.

B. Gestational age: Being born at 34 weeks gestation is a significant risk factor. Prematurity increases the risk for complications like respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), infections, and feeding difficulties. Preterm infants are also at risk for problems with thermoregulation, which is why the neonate is on a radiant warmer.

C. Respiratory distress: The presence of substernal retractions, nasal flaring, and an elevated respiratory rate (70/min) indicates respiratory distress. Preterm neonates, especially those born at 34 weeks, are at risk for RDS due to insufficient surfactant production, which can lead to difficulty breathing and hypoxemia.

D. UAC: The umbilical arterial catheter (UAC) is commonly used for monitoring blood pressure and obtaining blood samples in neonates. However, it carries a risk for complications such as infection, thrombosis, and injury to blood vessels. This is an invasive device that could contribute to complications.

E. Feeding method (Continuous breast milk feedings via OG tube): Although feeding via an orogastric tube is a standard method for preterm neonates, it does not pose an immediate risk factor in this case. The method of feeding itself is not a complication risk. However, complications like feeding intolerance or aspiration can arise, which would require further monitoring.

G. 5-minute Apgar score: A 5-minute Apgar score of 7 is considered an acceptable score for a neonate. Although it indicates some initial difficulty, this score does not present a significant risk factor for complications by itself. A lower score would be more concerning, but a score of 7 typically suggests the neonate is transitioning well.

Potential Condition: Kawasaki Disease

Kawasaki disease is a systemic vasculitis that primarily affects children under the age of 5 but can occur in older children. It presents with prolonged fever (lasting more than 5 days), conjunctival injection (red eyes without exudate), mucosal inflammation (strawberry tongue, red lips), maculopapular rash, and extremity changes (edema and peeling skin on hands and feet). Elevated inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate), high WBC count, and thrombocytosis (elevated platelets) are consistent with Kawasaki disease. If untreated, it can lead to coronary artery aneurysms.

Actions to Take:

Plan to administer high dose of aspirin:

High-dose aspirin is given to reduce inflammation and prevent thrombosis in coronary arteries, as Kawasaki disease increases the risk of coronary artery aneurysms.

Assess for neurological changes:

Neurological changes, such as irritability, can indicate aseptic meningitis or other central nervous system involvement, which can occur in Kawasaki disease.

Parameters to Monitor:

Daily weights:

Monitoring daily weights is essential to assess for fluid retention or overload, as Kawasaki disease can cause myocarditis and cardiac dysfunction.

Reports of chest pain or pressure:

Monitoring for chest pain or pressure is crucial to detect early signs of myocardial ischemia or coronary artery involvement, which are potential complications of Kawasaki disease.