A nurse is monitoring a client who is receiving magnesium sulfate to manage preeclampsia.
Which of the following observations should the nurse immediately report to the healthcare provider?
The client’s respiratory rate is 16/min.
The client has had a headache for 30 minutes.
The client’s urinary output is 40 ml in 2 hours.
The client’s fetal heart rate is 158/min.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is Choice C.
Choice A rationale: A respiratory rate of 16/min is within the normal range for an adult and does not indicate immediate concern.
Choice B rationale: A headache can be a symptom of preeclampsia, but it is not as immediate a concern as the other options unless it is severe or accompanied by other symptoms.
Choice C rationale: A urinary output of 40 ml in 2 hours is significantly below the normal range. Oliguria (low urine output) can be a sign of renal impairment and magnesium toxicity, which requires immediate reporting to the healthcare provider.
Choice D rationale: A fetal heart rate of 158/min is within the normal range for a fetus and does not indicate immediate concern.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Perineal pad clots are not the greatest risk for this patient. While it’s important to monitor the amount and type of lochia, the nurse’s notes indicate that the patient has a moderate amount of lochia rubra, which is normal within the first few days postpartum. Large clots could indicate a problem such as a retained placental fragment, but this is not mentioned in
the scenario.
Choice B rationale:
Pelvic pain is a common complaint after childbirth due to uterine contractions, especially during breastfeeding, and usually resolves within a few days. The patient’s pain is rated as 4 on a scale of 0 to 10, which is considered moderate. While it’s important to manage the patient’s pain, it’s not the greatest risk in this scenario.
Choice C rationale:
A boggy uterus poses the greatest risk for this patient. A boggy or soft uterus indicates uterine atony, which is a lack of normal muscle tone that can lead to excessive bleeding. This is a serious condition that can lead to postpartum hemorrhage if not treated promptly. The nurse’s notes indicate that the patient’s fundus is boggy and located above the umbilicus, which is a concern. The fundus should be firm and gradually descend into the pelvis within the first few days postpartum.
Choice D rationale:
Breast engorgement is a common discomfort that occurs when the breasts are overly full with milk. It typically occurs within the first week postpartum as the milk supply increases. The nurse’s notes indicate that the patient’s breasts are soft, warm, and tender to touch, which is normal. While it’s important to manage the patient’s comfort, breast
engorgement is not the greatest risk in this scenario.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Resting in a recliner until the incision is healed is not recommended following a cesarean birth. It’s important for the client to gradually increase their activities and mobility to promote healing and prevent complications such as blood clots.
Choice B rationale
It’s crucial for the client to monitor their incision for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, pain, or discharge. Therefore, calling the provider if there is discharge from the incision indicates understanding of the discharge instructions.
Choice C rationale
Resuming prenatal vitamins is often recommended after a cesarean birth to aid in recovery and support breastfeeding if the client chooses to breastfeed. Prenatal vitamins contain essential nutrients that can help the client heal and recover after surgery.
Choice D rationale
Unrelieved abdominal pain is not a normal part of recovery and could indicate a complication such as an infection or a problem with the incision. Therefore, the client should understand that they should not have unrelieved pain in their abdomen and should contact their provider if they do.
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