A nurse is collecting data from a client who is at 29 weeks of gestation.
Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a potential indication of a prenatal complication?
Leg cramps.
Ptyalism.
Blurred vision.
Melasma.
The Correct Answer is C
This can be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious complication of pregnancy that causes high blood pressure and proteinuria.
The nurse should report this finding to the provider and monitor the client’s blood pressure, urine protein, and reflexes.
Choice A is wrong because leg cramps are a common discomfort during pregnancy and are not usually a sign of a complication.
Choice B is wrong because ptyalism, or excessive salivation, is a normal physiological change during pregnancy and does not indicate a problem.
Choice D is wrong because melasma, or darkening of the skin on the face, is also a normal physiological change during pregnancy and does not pose a risk to the mother or the fetus.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Blood glucose 130 mg/dL.
This is because the normal range of blood glucose for pregnant women is 70 - 110 mg/dL .
A blood glucose level of 130 mg/dL indicates gestational diabetes, which can have adverse effects on the mother and the fetus.
The nurse should report this finding to the provider and initiate interventions such as dietary counseling, glucose monitoring, and insulin therapy if needed.
Choice A is wrong because WBC 7,000/mm³ is within the normal range for pregnant women, which is 4,500 to 10,000 cells/mcL .
A low WBC count would indicate an increased risk of infection, while a high WBC count would indicate inflammation or infection.
Choice B is wrong because hemoglobin 13 g/dL is within the normal range for pregnant women, which is 11 to 14 g/dL .
A low hemoglobin level would indicate anemia, while a high hemoglobin level would indicate dehydration or polycythemia.
Choice D is wrong because RBC 5.8 million/mm³ is within the normal range for pregnant women, which is 4.2 to 5.9 million/mm³ .
A low RBC count would indicate anemia or hemorrhage, while a high RBC count would indicate dehydration or polycythemia.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This is a manifestation of a fat embolism, which is a condition where particles of fat get into the bloodstream and block blood flow. A fat embolism can occur after trauma or surgery to the legs, when fat from the bone marrow escapes into the bloodstream.
Choice A is wrong because a report of pain as 6 on a scale of 0 to 10 is not specific to a fat embolism.
Pain is a common symptom of many conditions and injuries.
Choice B is wrong because pulses 2+ distal to the client’s fracture are normal and indicate adequate blood flow to the extremity.
Choice D is wrong because bruising around the fracture site is an expected finding after a compound fracture and does not indicate a fat embolism.
Normal ranges for blood pressure are 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg and for heart rate are 60 to 100 beats per minute.
Petechiae are small red or purple spots on the skin caused by bleeding under the skin.
They can range in size from pinpoint to several millimeters. Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a serious complication of a fat embolism that affects the lungs, skin or brain and can be fatal. FES usually occurs 12 to 72 hours after trauma.
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