A nurse is caring for a client who is at 34 weeks of gestation.
The client reports headache, dizziness, and blurred vision for 1 week.
The nurse notes 3+ edema in lower extremities and deep tendon reflexes (DTRs) 3+ with positive clonus.
The fetal heart rate (FHR) is 140 with minimal variability.
The nurse is reviewing the client’s electronic medical record to develop a plan of care.
Which condition is the client most likely experiencing, what are two actions the nurse should take to
Preeclampsia
Chronic hypertension
Neurologic status
Liver function studies
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
The client’s symptoms of headache, dizziness, blurred vision, 3+ edema in lower extremities, deep tendon reflexes (DTRs) 3+ with positive clonus, and a fetal heart rate (FHR) of 140 with minimal variability are indicative of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, often the liver and kidneys. It usually begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy in women whose blood pressure had been normal. Left untreated, preeclampsia can lead to serious complications for both the mother and baby. To address this condition, the nurse should: Monitor the client’s blood pressure regularly. Administer prescribed medications to control blood pressure and prevent seizures. 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
Chronic hypertension is a possibility, but it does not fully explain the client’s symptoms. While chronic hypertension can cause headaches and dizziness, it does not typically cause 3+ edema in the lower extremities or positive clonus. Furthermore, chronic hypertension would have been present before the pregnancy or diagnosed before the client reached 20 weeks of gestation.
Choice C rationale
While the client’s symptoms of headache, dizziness, and blurred vision could suggest a neurologic issue, the presence of 3+ edema in the lower extremities and positive clonus are more indicative of preeclampsia. Neurologic status would be monitored as part of the care for a client with preeclampsia.
Choice D rationale
Liver function studies would be relevant if there were symptoms or signs suggesting liver involvement such as upper right abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, or jaundice. However, the client’s symptoms are more indicative of preeclampsia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["0504."]
Explanation
To calculate the estimated date of birth (EDB) from the last menstrual period (LMP), follow these steps: Determine the first day of the last menstrual period. In this case, it’s July 27. Count back 3 calendar months from that date, which gives us April 27. Lastly, add 1 year and 7 days to that date. This gives us an EDB of May 4, 2024. So, the EDB in MMDD format is 0504.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Preparing the abdominal and perineal areas is not the priority nursing action for a client who has a large amount of painless, bright red vaginal bleeding at 38 weeks of gestation. This type of bleeding is suggestive of placenta previa, a condition where the placenta covers part or all of the cervix, preventing normal delivery. While preparing the abdominal and perineal areas may be necessary in preparation for delivery, it is not the immediate priority.
Choice B rationale
Initiating IV access is the priority nursing action for a client who has a large amount of painless, bright red vaginal bleeding at 38 weeks of gestation. This type of bleeding is suggestive of placenta previa, a condition where the placenta covers part or all of the cervix, preventing normal delivery. IV access allows for rapid administration of fluids and medications, which may be necessary to stabilize the client’s condition.
Choice C rationale
Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter is not the priority nursing action for a client who has a large amount of painless, bright red vaginal bleeding at 38 weeks of gestation. While a urinary catheter may be necessary in preparation for delivery or surgery, it is not the immediate priority.
Choice D rationale
Witnessing the signature for informed consent for surgery is not the priority nursing action for a client who has a large amount of painless, bright red vaginal bleeding at 38 weeks of gestation. While obtaining informed consent may be necessary before performing certain procedures or surgeries, it is not the immediate priority.
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