A nurse is caring for a client who is pregnant and was admitted 6 days ago for preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM).
A nurse is performing a follow-up assessment on the client. Complete the diagram by dragging from the choices below to specify what condition the client is most likely experiencing, 2 actions the nurse should take to address that condition, and 2 parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client’s progress.
The Correct Answer is []
Potential Condition: Chorioamnionitis
Chorioamnionitis is an infection of the amniotic fluid, membranes, placenta, and/or decidua. It is often associated with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM), especially when there is a prolonged rupture of membranes, as in this case. The client’s symptoms, including a high temperature (38.2°C), elevated heart rate (112/min), and purulent amniotic fluid, strongly suggest an intra-amniotic infection.
Potential Condition: Abruptio Placentae
Abruptio placentae, also known as placental abruption, is the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall before childbirth. This condition can lead to significant maternal hemorrhage and jeopardize the well-
being of the fetus. The primary symptoms include vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, uterine tenderness, and contractions. In severe cases, it can cause maternal shock and fetal distress or death. The client’s symptoms, such as abdominal discomfort and contractions, could be indicative of this condition, but the presence of purulent amniotic fluid and fever makes chorioamnionitis a more likely diagnosis in this scenario.
Potential Condition: Prolapsed Umbilical Cord
A prolapsed umbilical cord occurs when the umbilical cord slips ahead of the fetal presenting part and prolapses into the cervical canal, vagina, or beyond. This is an obstetric emergency because the prolapsed cord can be compressed, cutting off the baby’s blood and oxygen supply. The primary signs include visible or palpable cord at the cervix or in the vagina, and sudden changes in fetal heart rate patterns, such as bradycardia or variable
decelerations. While the client’s fetal heart rate is elevated, there is no indication of a visible or palpable cord, making this condition less likely.
Potential Condition: Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific condition characterized by new-onset hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation. It can lead to serious complications such as eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, and organ damage. Symptoms include high blood pressure, proteinuria, severe headaches, visual disturbances, and epigastric pain. The client’s history of chronic hypertension and elevated heart rate could suggest preeclampsia, but the absence of high blood pressure and proteinuria in the current assessment makes this diagnosis less likely compared to chorioamnionitis.
Choice A: Prepare to administer gentamicin IV
Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that is often used in combination with other antibiotics to treat chorioamnionitis. It is effective against a broad range of bacteria that could be causing the infection. Administering gentamicin IV can help manage the infection and prevent further complications for both the mother and the fetus34.
Choice B: Obtain a prescription for hydraclone PO
Hydraclone is not a standard treatment for chorioamnionitis. The primary treatment involves antibiotics to manage the infection. Therefore, this option is not appropriate in this scenario.
Choice C: Place the client in the Trendelenburg position
The Trendelenburg position, where the patient is laid flat on their back with their feet higher than their
head, is not indicated for chorioamnionitis. This position is typically used in cases of umbilical cord prolapse to relieve pressure on the cord.
Choice D: Place the client in a quiet environment
While placing the client in a quiet environment may help with overall comfort, it does not directly address the infection or its complications. Therefore, it is not a primary action in managing chorioamnionitis.
Choice E: Educate the client on the process of inducing labor
Inducing labor may be necessary in cases of chorioamnionitis to reduce the risk of complications for both the mother and the baby. Prompt delivery is often recommended once the infection is diagnosed to prevent further maternal and fetal morbidity.
Parameters to Monitor:
Choice A: Uric acid levels
Monitoring uric acid levels can help assess the client’s overall metabolic state and detect any potential complications such as preeclampsia, which can coexist with chorioamnionitis.
Choice B: Deep tendon reflexes
Deep tendon reflexes are typically monitored in cases of preeclampsia to assess for hyperreflexia, which is not relevant in the context of chorioamnionitis.
Choice C: Dysfunctional labor
Monitoring for dysfunctional labor is important but not specific to chorioamnionitis. The primary focus should be on managing the infection and monitoring maternal and fetal well-being.
Choice D: Maternal body temperature
Maternal body temperature is a critical parameter to monitor in cases of chorioamnionitis. An elevated temperature is a key indicator of infection, and monitoring it helps assess the effectiveness of the treatment.
Choice E: Inadequate uterine reduction
Inadequate uterine reduction is not a relevant parameter in the context of chorioamnionitis. The focus should be on monitoring signs of infection and maternal and fetal well-being.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Free T4
In primary hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland is underactive and does not produce enough thyroid hormones. As a result, free T4 levels are typically low, not elevated. Free T4 is a direct measure of the active thyroid hormone available in the blood. Therefore, an elevation in free T4 is not expected in primary hypothyroidism.
Choice B reason: Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is elevated in primary hypothyroidism due to the lack of negative feedback from low thyroid hormone levels. The pituitary gland produces more TSH in an attempt to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce more hormones. This is a hallmark finding in primary hypothyroidism and is used as a key diagnostic indicator.
Choice C reason: Serum T3
Serum T3 levels can be variable in primary hypothyroidism. While they may be low, they are often maintained within the normal range until the condition becomes severe. This is because T3 is produced in smaller quantities and has a shorter half-life compared to T4. Therefore, an elevation in serum T3 is not typically seen in primary hypothyroidism.
Choice D reason: Serum T4
Similar to free T4, serum T4 levels are usually low in primary hypothyroidism. The thyroid gland’s reduced ability to produce thyroid hormones results in decreased levels of both free and total T4. Thus, an elevation in serum T4 is not expected in primary hypothyroidism.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
The statement “Provide bedtime rituals” is correct. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can help toddlers feel more secure and relaxed, which can promote better sleep. Bedtime rituals might include reading a story, singing a lullaby, or having a warm bath before bed. These activities signal to the child that it is time to wind down and prepare for sleep.
Choice B reason:
The statement “Encourage play exercises in the evening” is incorrect. While physical activity is important for overall health, engaging in stimulating play exercises right before bedtime can make it harder for toddlers to settle down and fall asleep. It is better to encourage quiet, calming activities in the evening.
Choice C reason:
The statement “Explain the source of the toddler’s fears” is not the most effective approach for promoting sleep. While addressing fears is important, the explanation alone may not be sufficient to help the toddler feel secure enough to sleep. Providing comfort and reassurance through bedtime rituals is more effective in creating a sense of safety.
Choice D reason:
The statement “Turn off the room light” is partially correct but not the best standalone solution. While a dark environment can promote sleep, some toddlers may feel more secure with a nightlight. The focus should be on creating a calming and comfortable sleep environment, which includes but is not limited to adjusting the lighting.
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