A nurse is caring for a client who is 34 weeks pregnant.

The nurse is reviewing the client’s electronic medical record to develop a care plan.

The nurse should take which of the following actions to address the condition the client is most likely experiencing, and monitor which parameters to assess the client’s progress.

Implement seizure precautions.

Check deep tendon reflexes every hour.

Administer prescribed methyldopa.

Monitor neurologic status.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale
Given the client’s symptoms and the fact that she is 34 weeks pregnant, the client is most likely experiencing preeclampsia. One of the severe complications of preeclampsia is eclampsia, which is characterized by the onset of seizures. Therefore, implementing seizure precautions would be an appropriate action for the nurse to take. The nurse should monitor the following parameters to assess the client’s progress: Blood pressure readings: Regular monitoring can help detect any sudden increases, which could indicate worsening preeclampsia. Urine protein levels: Protein in the urine is a common sign of preeclampsia and should be monitored regularly.
Choice B rationale
Checking deep tendon reflexes every hour could be part of the care plan for a client with preeclampsia. Hyperreflexia can be a sign of worsening preeclampsia and impending seizure activity.
Choice C rationale
Methyldopa is a medication that can be used to control blood pressure in pregnant women. However, the question does not provide information that the client has been prescribed this medication.
Choice D rationale
Monitoring neurologic status is important in a client with preeclampsia due to the risk of eclampsia, which can cause seizures and other neurologic complications. However, implementing seizure precautions is a more immediate action to address the client’s condition.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Abdominal pain accompanied by minimal red vaginal bleeding is not a typical symptom of placenta previa. In placenta previa, the placenta covers all or part of the cervix, which can cause severe bleeding. However, this bleeding is typically not associated with abdominal pain.
Choice B rationale
Intermittent abdominal pain following the passage of bloody mucus is not a common symptom of placenta previa. This symptom is more commonly associated with labor or other conditions, but not specifically with placenta previa.
Choice C rationale
Increasing abdominal pain with a nonrelaxed uterus is not a typical symptom of placenta previa. This could be a sign of other complications such as uterine rupture or placental abruption, which are serious conditions that require immediate medical attention.
Choice D rationale
Painless red vaginal bleeding is indeed a symptom of placenta previa. This bleeding is usually bright red and can occur intermittently or continuously. It is most common in the third trimester of pregnancy.

A. Respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute B. Fetal heart rate of 158 beats per minute C. Persistent headache for 30 minutes D. Urinary output of 40 mL in 2 hours

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Answer and explanation
The correct answer is Choice D.
Choice A rationale
A respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute is within the normal range for an adult, and would not typically be a cause for concern.
Choice B rationale
A Fetal Heart Rate (FHR) of 158 beats per minute is within the normal range (110-160 beats per minute) and would not typically be a cause for concern.
Choice C rationale
While a persistent headache can be a symptom of pre-eclampsia, it is not typically a reason to report to the healthcare provider when a patient is receiving magnesium sulfate to manage pre-eclampsia.
Choice D rationale
A urinary output of 40 mL in 2 hours is less than the normal range (at least 30 mL/hour). This could indicate kidney dysfunction, which is a serious complication of pre-eclampsia. Therefore, this observation should be reported to the healthcare provider.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who is at 36 weeks of gestation and suspected of having placenta previa. Which of the following symptoms would support this diagnosis?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is monitoring a patient who is receiving magnesium sulfate to manage pre-eclampsia. Which of the following observations should the nurse report to the healthcare provider?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a patient who is about to undergo a biophysical profile. The patient asks the nurse what aspects are evaluated during this test. Which of the following should the nurse include? (Select all that apply)

A nurse is caring for a client who is at 22 weeks of gestation and has been unable to control her gestational diabetes mellitus with diet and exercise. Which of the following medications should the nurse anticipate a prescription from the provider for the client?

A nurse is caring for a client who is in active labor and notes late decelerations in the FHR. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A nurse in labor and delivery is caring for a client. Following the delivery of the placenta, the nurse examines the umbilical cord. Which of the following vessels should the nurse expect to observe in the umbilical cord?

In the context of diabetes incidence and classification, which statement should maternity nurses be aware of?

A nurse is admitting a patient with severe pre-eclampsia at 35 weeks of gestation and is reviewing the provider’s orders. Which of the following orders requires clarification?

A nurse is assessing a client who is pregnant for preeclampsia. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client requires further evaluation for this disorder?