A nurse is caring for a client who has hyperemesis gravidarum. The nurse should identify that the client is at risk for which of the following conditions?
Elevated blood pressure
Leukopenia
Hydramnios
Ketonuria
The Correct Answer is C
A. Elevated blood pressure is typically associated with gestational hypertension or preeclampsia rather than hyperemesis gravidarum. In hyperemesis, the significant fluid loss through protracted vomiting more commonly leads to hypovolemia and a subsequent decrease in systemic blood pressure. While compensatory tachycardia may occur, hypertension is not a direct scientific expectation for this clinical condition.
B. Leukopenia, which is a decrease in the white blood cell count, is not a typical finding in clients suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum. Hemoconcentration caused by severe dehydration may actually result in a relative increase in various laboratory values, including hematocrit and occasionally white cell counts. There is no physiological mechanism within this disorder that causes the bone marrow suppression required for leukopenia.
C. Hydramnios, or excessive amniotic fluid volume, is generally associated with fetal anomalies or maternal diabetes rather than severe vomiting. Hyperemesis gravidarum is characterized by a state of maternal fluid volume deficit rather than an excess of amniotic fluid. In severe, untreated cases, maternal dehydration might actually lead to decreased placental perfusion and a potential reduction in amniotic fluid.
D. Ketonuria is a critical finding in hyperemesis gravidarum that indicates the body has shifted to an anaerobic metabolic state. Because the client cannot retain sufficient carbohydrates for energy, the body begins catabolizing adipose tissue to produce fuel, resulting in the accumulation of ketone bodies. The presence of these ketones in the urine confirms that the client is experiencing metabolic starvation and requires immediate intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Incorrect- Calcium is important for bone health but is not directly related to increasing maternal blood volume.
B) Incorrect- Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage but is not directly related to increasing maternal blood volume.
C) Correct - Iron is essential for hemoglobin production, which is necessary to support the increase in maternal blood volume during pregnancy.
D) Incorrect- Vitamin D is important for bone health and calcium absorption but is not directly related to increasing maternal blood volume.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Correct - Monitoring for infection is an appropriate nursing intervention for a client whose membranes have ruptured, as there is an increased risk of infection after the amniotic sac has ruptured for an extended period.
B) Incorrect- Positioning the client supine is not generally recommended for a client in labor, especially if the client's membranes have ruptured.
C) Incorrect- Obtaining consent for a cesarean birth is not indicated solely based on the information provided.
D) Incorrect- Preparing for a forceps delivery is not indicated solely based on the information provided.
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