A nurse is caring for a client who is pregnant. The nurse is reviewing the client's medical record.
Blood pressure
Urine ketones
Fetal activity
Respiratory rate
Report of headache
Urine protein
Gravida/parity
Correct Answer : A,C,E,F
Rationale:
A. Blood pressure: The reading of 162/112 mm Hg meets the criteria for severe hypertension in pregnancy, which increases the risk of complications such as preeclampsia, placental abruption, and stroke.
B. Urine ketones: Ketones are negative, which rules out dehydration or starvation ketosis. Ketones would be more concerning if elevated alongside hyperemesis or gestational diabetes.
C. Fetal activity: Decreased fetal movement at 31 weeks may indicate fetal hypoxia or distress and requires urgent evaluation with nonstress testing or biophysical profiling.
D. Respiratory rate: The client’s respiratory rate of 16/min is within the normal range (12–20/min) and does not indicate respiratory distress or a complication.
E. Report of headache: A severe, persistent headache that is unrelieved by acetaminophen is a classic warning sign of central nervous system involvement in preeclampsia and may precede seizures (eclampsia).
F. Urine protein: The presence of 3+ proteinuria indicates significant renal involvement, supporting a diagnosis of preeclampsia, particularly when paired with hypertension and neurologic symptoms.
G. Gravida/parity: While a history of preterm birth is a known risk factor, her current symptoms point toward preeclampsia rather than complications directly linked to her obstetric history.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A,B"},"B":{"answers":"B"},"C":{"answers":"A,B"},"D":{"answers":"B"}}
Explanation
Rationale:
- Platelet count: A low platelet count (<100,000/mm³) is a hallmark of HELLP syndrome but can also appear in severe preeclampsia. Therefore, thrombocytopenia supports both diagnoses.
- Alanine aminotransferase (ALT): Elevated ALT indicates hepatic involvement due to hepatocellular injury, which is a defining feature of HELLP syndrome but not required for preeclampsia diagnosis.
- Blood pressure: Severe hypertension (≥160/110 mm Hg), as seen in this client, is diagnostic of severe preeclampsia. It may also be present in HELLP syndrome due to overlapping pathophysiology.
- Hemoglobin: Low hemoglobin can reflect hemolysis, which is part of the HELLP acronym (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, Low Platelets). Preeclampsia does not typically present with anemia unless HELLP develops.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Alkaline phosphatase: This enzyme is typically used to assess liver or bone disorders, not renal function. Although some values may rise due to medications or illness, it is not a primary marker for kidney health in transplant clients.
B. Amylase: Amylase is used to evaluate pancreatic function and is not directly related to kidney function. It may be elevated in pancreatitis or abdominal conditions, but it does not provide information about renal performance.
C. Creatinine: Serum creatinine is a key indicator of renal function and is commonly monitored alongside BUN in clients taking nephrotoxic drugs like cyclosporine. Elevations may signal impaired kidney function or transplant rejection.
D. Bilirubin: Bilirubin reflects liver function and bile metabolism rather than kidney function. Although important in overall health assessment, it is not used to evaluate renal function in clients post-transplant.
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