A nurse is caring for the client.

Exhibits

Select the 5 findings that indicate the client's condition has improved.

Rationale:

A. Limit teaching sessions about the procedure to 20 min: Preschoolers have short attention spans, but 20 minutes is still too long for teaching at this developmental stage. Teaching should be concise and focused, ideally lasting only a few minutes just before the procedure.

B. Explain in simple terms how the procedure will affect the child: Preschoolers benefit from clear, age-appropriate explanations that help them understand what to expect. Using simple language and concrete terms reduces fear and builds trust with the nurse.

C. Ask the parents to wait outside the room during the procedure: Parents often provide comfort and reassurance during stressful experiences. Unless they are interfering or the child requests otherwise, their presence can help reduce the child’s anxiety.

D. Instruct the child in deep-breathing methods prior to the procedure: While relaxation techniques are helpful for older children, preschoolers may have difficulty understanding and following deep-breathing instructions. Simple distraction methods are often more effective.

Rationale:

A. Provide a low-stimulation environment: The client has a severe headache, 3+ proteinuria, and elevated BP, indicating severe preeclampsia. A quiet, low-light environment reduces the risk of seizure by limiting neurologic stimulation.

B. Maintain bed rest: Bed rest in a side-lying position improves uteroplacental blood flow and helps lower blood pressure. It also decreases metabolic demand, which is critical in hypertensive pregnancies.

C. Give antihypertensive medication: The BP readings (162/112 and 166/110 mm Hg) require immediate antihypertensive therapy to prevent cerebral hemorrhage, eclampsia, or placental abruption.

D. Obtain a 24-hr urine specimen: A 24-hour urine collection for protein is the gold standard for quantifying proteinuria and confirming the diagnosis of preeclampsia. While a dipstick of 3+ is a strong indicator, the 24-hour collection provides a definitive measurement.

E. Perform a vaginal examination every 12 hr: There are no contractions or signs of labor, so regular vaginal exams are not indicated and increase the risk of infection in a preterm pregnancy.

F. Monitor intake and output hourly: Decreased renal perfusion is a complication of preeclampsia. Hourly monitoring detects oliguria early and helps assess for fluid overload or worsening renal function.

G. Administer betamethasone: At 31 weeks, betamethasone is indicated to enhance fetal lung maturity due to risk of preterm delivery from severe maternal complications.