A nurse is caring for an adolescent client who is gravida 1 and para 0. The client was admitted to the hospital at 38 weeks of gestation with a diagnosis of preeclampsia.
Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as inconsistent with preeclampsia?
Deep tendon reflexes of +1.
3+ protein in the urine.
Blood pressure 148/98 mm Hg.
Pitting sacral edema.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Deep tendon reflexes of +1 are hypoactive reflexes, indicating decreased neurological excitability. In preeclampsia, central nervous system irritability is a key feature, often leading to hyperreflexia, which would be documented as +2, +3, or +4. Therefore, +1 reflexes are inconsistent with preeclampsia.
Choice B rationale
3+ protein in the urine indicates significant proteinuria, which is a hallmark sign of preeclampsia. The kidneys are affected in preeclampsia, leading to increased excretion of protein in the urine.
Choice C rationale
A blood pressure of 148/98 mm Hg is elevated and falls within the diagnostic criteria for preeclampsia, which is hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg) that develops after 20 weeks of gestation along with proteinuria or other signs of end-organ damage.
Choice D rationale
Pitting sacral edema, or swelling in the sacral area that leaves a pit when pressed, is a common finding in preeclampsia due to fluid retention and increased capillary permeability.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Reducing fluid intake will not alleviate breast engorgement and may even be detrimental to milk production and overall maternal hydration. Engorgement is caused by increased blood flow and milk production in the breasts, not excess fluid intake.
Choice B rationale
Frequent breastfeeding, ideally every 1-2 hours, helps to remove milk from the breasts, which relieves pressure and engorgement. Regular emptying of the breasts signals the body to regulate milk production and prevents the buildup of milk that causes discomfort and can lead to complications like mastitis.
Choice C rationale
Avoiding the use of a breast pump when breasts are engorged can worsen the condition. A breast pump can be used to express milk and relieve pressure if the infant is not feeding effectively or frequently enough. Complete milk removal is key to reducing engorgement.
Choice D rationale
Skipping feedings will exacerbate breast engorgement as milk will continue to accumulate in the breasts, increasing pressure, pain, and the risk of complications. Regular milk removal is essential for managing engorgement and establishing a healthy breastfeeding pattern.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Walking and increasing fluid intake can often alleviate the discomfort associated with Braxton Hicks contractions. Movement can sometimes cause the uterus to relax, and adequate hydration helps maintain uterine irritability within normal physiological limits. Dehydration can sometimes exacerbate uterine contractions, so ensuring sufficient fluid intake is a prudent measure.
Choice B rationale
Timing contractions is more relevant when assessing for true labor. Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular and do not follow a consistent pattern of increasing frequency, duration, and intensity. Instructing the client to time them for 30 minutes may cause unnecessary anxiety and is not the primary intervention for discomfort relief.
Choice C rationale
Aspirin is not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, due to potential risks to both the mother and the fetus, such as increased bleeding tendencies. Furthermore, aspirin would not address the physiological cause of Braxton Hicks contractions.
Choice D rationale
Going to the hospital is not indicated for irregular, non-painful Braxton Hicks contractions, especially at 36 weeks' gestation. Hospital visits are reserved for signs of true labor, such as regular, increasing contractions, rupture of membranes, or significant bleeding.
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