A nurse is evaluating an infant following a motor vehicle accident.

Which signs should the nurse monitor to detect increased intracranial pressure?

Choice A rationale
Indomethacin (Indocin) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces fever, pain and inflammation. It is used to treat moderate to severe osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gouty arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis. It is not used to accelerate fetal lung maturity.
Choice B rationale
Nifedipine (Procardia) is a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) or chest pain (angina). It is not used to accelerate fetal lung maturity.
Choice C rationale
Calcium gluconate is used to prevent or to treat calcium deficiencies. It is not used to accelerate fetal lung maturity.
Choice D rationale
Betamethasone (Celestone) is a corticosteroid that is used to mature the lungs in fetuses at risk for preterm birth.

Choice A rationale
The nurse should be concerned about a client with an 18kg (4 lb) weight gain in her first trimester. This is because the expected weight gain for a client in the first trimester is usually around 1.8 kg (4 lb)1. A weight gain of 18 kg in the first trimester significantly exceeds this expectation, which could indicate a potential health issue such as gestational diabetes or multiple pregnancies. It’s important for the nurse to report this finding to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.
Choice B rationale
A client with a 68 kg (15 lb) weight gain in her second trimester does not necessarily pose a concern. Weight gain during pregnancy varies among individuals and can be influenced by factors such as the mother’s body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy, the baby’s growth rate, and the mother’s diet and lifestyle. However, it’s always important to monitor weight gain throughout pregnancy to ensure it’s within a healthy range.
Choice C rationale
A client with a 13 kg (25 lb) weight gain in her third trimester does not necessarily pose a concern. Weight gain during the third trimester can be influenced by factors such as the baby’s growth rate, amniotic fluid volume, and the mother’s increased blood volume. However, it’s always important to monitor weight gain throughout pregnancy to ensure it’s within a healthy range.
Choice D rationale
A client with a 3.6 kg (8 lb) weight gain in her first trimester does not necessarily pose a concern. This is within the expected weight gain range for the first trimester. However, it’s always important to monitor weight gain throughout pregnancy to ensure it’s within a healthy range.