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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Encouraging a hands-and-knees position can help rotate a fetus in an occiput posterior position or relieve back pain during labor. However, in hypotonic uterine dysfunction where contractions are weak and ineffective, this positional change alone is unlikely to augment labor significantly.
Choice B rationale
Providing a comfortable environment with dim lighting can reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, which might indirectly support labor progress. However, it does not directly address the issue of weak and ineffective uterine contractions characteristic of hypotonic dysfunction.
Choice C rationale
Administering oxytocin is the typical intervention for hypotonic uterine dysfunction after ruling out fetopelvic disproportion. Oxytocin is a synthetic hormone that stimulates uterine contractions, increasing their frequency, duration, and intensity to facilitate labor progress. It acts on the oxytocin receptors in the uterus, leading to smooth muscle contraction.
Choice D rationale
Preparing for an amniotomy (artificial rupture of membranes) might be considered to augment labor if the membranes are intact. However, since the woman's membranes have already ruptured, this intervention is not applicable in this situation. Amniotomy can sometimes stimulate or augment labor by releasing prostaglandins.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Hyperemesis gravidarum is severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, typically occurring in the first trimester. While amniocentesis can cause some discomfort, it is not a known risk factor for hyperemesis.
Choice B rationale
Proteinuria is the presence of protein in the urine, which can be a sign of preeclampsia, a condition that can occur later in pregnancy. Amniocentesis, usually performed in the second trimester, is not directly linked to causing proteinuria.
Choice C rationale
Amniocentesis is an invasive procedure that involves inserting a needle through the abdominal wall and uterus to withdraw amniotic fluid. This procedure carries a risk of bleeding or hemorrhage from the insertion site or within the uterus. Therefore, observing for signs of hemorrhage is a crucial nursing intervention post-amniocentesis.
Choice D rationale
Hypoxia is a condition of insufficient oxygen supply to the tissues. While complications of amniocentesis could indirectly lead to fetal hypoxia in rare cases (e.g., placental abruption), it is not a direct and common complication to observe for in the mother. Hemorrhage is a more immediate and direct risk for the mother. .
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