A nurse is caring for a client who is postpartum, has a deep-vein thrombosis, and is receiving heparin therapy via subcutaneous injections. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale:

Edema is not an expected finding of uncomplicated gestational hypertension. While some degree of edema can be common during pregnancy, it is not specifically related to gestational hypertension.

Choice B rationale:

A blood pressure reading of 155/92 is an expected finding in a client with uncomplicated gestational hypertension. Gestational hypertension is defined as systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg after 20 weeks of pregnancy, without the presence of proteinuria or other organ dysfunction.

Choice C rationale:

Proteinuria is an expected finding in gestational hypertension. It is an important diagnostic criterion for preeclampsia, which is a severe form of gestational hypertension.

Choice D rationale:

Hepatic dysfunction is not an expected finding in uncomplicated gestational hypertension. Hepatic dysfunction would indicate more severe complications such as HELLP syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, Low Platelet count), which is a medical emergency.

Choice E rationale:

Blood pressure usually returns to normal after pregnancy in women with uncomplicated gestational hypertension. However, it is essential to monitor the client closely postpartum to ensure blood pressure normalization.

Choice A rationale:

Assisting the client to void is a priority intervention in this situation. A full bladder can displace the uterus and prevent it from contracting effectively, leading to a boggy and high- positioned fundus. After the client empties her bladder, the nurse should reassess the fundus to ensure it has descended to its appropriate location, which is usually at or just below the level of the umbilicus.

Choice B rationale:

Documenting the findings as within normal limits is incorrect because a firm, displaced fundus that is 3 cm above the umbilicus is not considered normal. This finding indicates that the uterus is not contracting adequately, and the nurse should take appropriate actions to address the issue.

Choice C rationale:

Gently massaging the client's fundus is not the correct intervention in this case. Massaging a firm fundus could cause uterine irritation and should be avoided. Instead, the nurse should encourage the client to empty her bladder, which often helps the uterus contract and descend to its proper position.

Choice D rationale:

Encouraging the client to ambulate may be helpful in some cases to promote uterine contractions and involution. However, in this situation, the priority is to address the full bladder, as it is a common cause of a displaced and high fundus shortly after delivery.