A nurse is caring for a client who is pregnant.
The nurse is reviewing the client's medical record.
Select 4 findings that indicate a potential prenatal complication.
Fetal activity
Urine ketones
Urine protein
Report of headache
Respiratory rate
Blood pressure
Gravida/parity
Correct Answer : A,C,D,F
Rationale:
A. Fetal activity: Decreased fetal movement is an abnormal finding suggesting possible fetal distress or hypoxia. It indicates reduced oxygen or nutrient delivery to the fetus, often associated with maternal complications such as hypertension or preeclampsia. Immediate evaluation with fetal monitoring or ultrasound is warranted.
B. Urine ketones: The absence of urine ketones is expected and does not indicate a prenatal complication. Ketones would only be concerning if elevated, as they could signal dehydration, starvation, or poorly controlled diabetes, which is not present in this case.
C. Urine protein: The presence of 3+ protein in the urine is a key indicator of preeclampsia. Proteinuria results from endothelial damage in the kidneys caused by hypertension, leading to leakage of protein into the urine and confirming a serious pregnancy complication.
D. Report of headache: A severe, persistent headache unrelieved by acetaminophen suggests cerebral vasospasm related to preeclampsia. It reflects increased blood pressure affecting cerebral circulation and can precede seizures or eclampsia if untreated.
E. Respiratory rate: A respiratory rate of 16/min is within the normal range for adults and does not indicate a prenatal complication. There is no evidence of respiratory distress or metabolic abnormality in this finding.
F. Blood pressure: A reading of 162/112 mm Hg meets the diagnostic criteria for severe hypertension in pregnancy and strongly indicates preeclampsia. Uncontrolled elevated blood pressure increases the risk of seizures, placental abruption, and fetal growth restriction.
G. Gravida/parity: Being G3 P2 with one preterm birth is useful background information but not, by itself, a sign of a current complication. It helps identify obstetric history and risk factors but does not reflect an immediate prenatal concern in this assessment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Change the drainage tubing every 48 hr: Routine changing of drainage tubing is not recommended unless it becomes contaminated or occluded. Frequent manipulation increases the risk of infection and compromises the sterile system.
B. Irrigate the drain to maintain suction: Irrigating a closed wound drainage system can introduce pathogens and disrupt the vacuum, increasing the risk of infection. Closed systems are designed to maintain suction without routine irrigation.
C. Observe for drainage flow through the tubing: Monitoring the amount, color, and consistency of drainage is essential to assess wound healing and detect complications such as infection or hemorrhage. Observing flow ensures the system is functioning properly and provides critical data for clinical decisions.
D. Remove the drain if output from the drain increases: Increased output can indicate ongoing bleeding or infection and should be reported to the provider. Premature removal of the drain in this situation could lead to fluid accumulation, wound dehiscence, or infection.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. WBC count: A WBC of 13,000/mm³ is within the expected range for pregnancy, as mild leukocytosis commonly occurs due to physiologic changes, and does not require immediate reporting.
B. Fundal height: A fundal height of 27 cm at 29 weeks is slightly below average but may reflect individual variation, fetal position, or maternal factors. This finding warrants monitoring but is not an urgent concern.
C. Fetal heart rate: FHR of 158/min is within the normal range (110–160/min) for a fetus and does not indicate fetal distress, so immediate reporting is not necessary.
D. Hemoglobin: Hemoglobin of 10 g/dL is below the expected range for pregnancy (typically 11–16 g/dL). This indicates anemia, which can affect maternal and fetal oxygenation, making it important to report to the provider for further evaluation and management.
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