A nurse is caring for an infant who has coarctation of the aorta. Which of the following should the nurse identify as an expected finding?

A. Nausea, while uncomfortable, is a common symptom during pregnancy and should be addressed, but it is not as urgent as the other symptoms in this context.

B. The deep tendon reflex (DTR) being 3+ bilaterally indicates hyperreflexia, which can be associated with conditions like preeclampsia, hence the need for follow-up.
C. The elevated blood pressure reading of 148/94 mm Hg is indicative of hypertension, which could be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication.
D. The fetal heart tracing, while important, does not show immediate concern with a rate of 140/min, which is within normal limits.
E. The weight gain of 0.68 kg (1.5 lb) within the last week is significant and could be indicative of fluid retention, which is concerning in the context of the client's other symptoms.
F. The respiratory rate of 20/min falls within the normal range, and there are no other indications of respiratory distress or abnormalities in the assessment findings provided. Therefore, respiratory assessment is not a priority for follow-up at this time.
G. The fundal height measurement of 29 cm is appropriate for 30 weeks of gestation, but given the other symptoms, it should be monitored for any rapid changes.
H. The presence of 1+ dependent edema noted bilaterally suggests fluid retention, which is a concerning finding and warrants further assessment to evaluate for signs of preeclampsia or other complications.

A. Contact precautions are not indicated based on the assessment findings provided.

Preeclampsia is primarily a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy characterized by systemic manifestations such as elevated blood pressure, proteinuria, and multiorgan involvement. It is not transmitted through direct contact, so contact precautions are unnecessary.
B. The client is exhibiting signs and symptoms consistent with preeclampsia, including right upper abdominal pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, facial edema, weight gain, and elevated blood pressure. Monitoring urinary output is essential for assessing renal function and detecting oliguria, which is a potential complication of preeclampsia.

C. a deep tendon reflex (DTR) grade of 3+ indicates a brisker than average response, which could be normal or potentially indicative of neurological hyperactivity. In such cases, creating a calming environment, which may include dimmed lighting, could potentially help in reducing stimuli that might exacerbate neurological excitability.
D. The client's blood pressure readings are elevated, indicating hypertension, which is a hallmark sign of preeclampsia. Monitoring blood pressure regularly is crucial for assessing the severity of hypertension and guiding management.
E. Amniocentesis is not indicated based on the assessment findings provided. Amniocentesis is a diagnostic procedure typically performed to obtain amniotic fluid for various purposes, such as fetal lung maturity assessment or genetic testing. In the context of preeclampsia, it is not a standard intervention.
F. Preeclampsia can have adverse effects on fetal well-being, including intrauterine growth restriction and placental insufficiency. However, an external fetal monitoring provides a more accurate assessment of fetal heart rate patterns and allows for closer monitoring of fetal status in cases of maternal hypertension.
G. Deep tendon reflexes (DTRs) are assessed to monitor for signs of neurological involvement in preeclampsia. Hyperreflexia, as indicated by a 3+ DTR bilaterally, is a characteristic finding in severe preeclampsia and may indicate central nervous system irritability.
H. Bed rest is often recommended for clients with preeclampsia to reduce physical activity and minimize the risk of complications such as eclampsia or stroke. It can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of placental abruption.