A nurse is monitoring a patient who is receiving magnesium sulfate to manage pre-eclampsia.
Which of the following observations should the nurse report to the healthcare provider?
Respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute
Fetal heart rate of 158 beats per minute
Persistent headache for 30 minutes
Urinary output of 40 mL in 2 hours
The Correct Answer is D
Answer and explanation
The correct answer is Choice D.
Choice A rationale
A respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute is within the normal range for an adult, and would not typically be a cause for concern.
Choice B rationale
A Fetal Heart Rate (FHR) of 158 beats per minute is within the normal range (110-160 beats per minute) and would not typically be a cause for concern.
Choice C rationale
While a persistent headache can be a symptom of pre-eclampsia, it is not typically a reason to report to the healthcare provider when a patient is receiving magnesium sulfate to manage pre-eclampsia.
Choice D rationale
A urinary output of 40 mL in 2 hours is less than the normal range (at least 30 mL/hour). This could indicate kidney dysfunction, which is a serious complication of pre-eclampsia. Therefore, this observation should be reported to the healthcare provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Vaginal discharge is common during pregnancy due to the increased production of estrogen and greater blood flow to the pelvic area. It is not typically a sign of preeclampsia.
Choice B rationale
Elevated blood pressure is a primary symptom of preeclampsia. If a pregnant client has high blood pressure, it should indicate to the nurse that the client requires further evaluation for this disorder.
Choice C rationale
Joint pain is not typically a symptom of preeclampsia. It could be related to other conditions or simply a result of the physical changes of pregnancy.
Choice D rationale
Increased urine output is not typically associated with preeclampsia. In fact, decreased urine output could potentially be a sign of kidney problems related to preeclampsia.
Correct Answer is ["D"]
Explanation
A blood pressure of 179/99 mm Hg in a pregnant client is a cause for concern and should be reported to the provider. This could be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious condition that can occur during pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure and damage to other organ systems, most often the liver and kidneys. The other vital signs (temperature, pulse rate, and respiratory rate) are within normal ranges for a pregnant woman.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
