A nurse is planning care for a client who is on contact precautions. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Rationale for correct choices

• Seizures: The client presents with severe hypertension (BP 162/112 mm Hg and 166/110 mm Hg), +3 pitting edema, and proteinuria (3+), which are classic indicators of severe preeclampsia. These factors place the client at high risk for eclampsia, which manifests as seizures during pregnancy. Close monitoring and early intervention are critical to prevent maternal and fetal complications.

• Placental abruption: Severe hypertension and preeclampsia increase the risk of placental abruption, a condition in which the placenta separates prematurely from the uterine wall. This can compromise fetal oxygenation and lead to significant maternal bleeding. The client’s elevated blood pressure, edema, and decreased fetal movement indicate a higher likelihood of this obstetric emergency.

Rationale for incorrect choices

• Heart failure: Although hypertension and fluid shifts in preeclampsia can strain the heart, there is no current evidence of pulmonary edema, dyspnea, or heart failure symptoms in this client. Heart failure is a less immediate risk compared with seizures and placental abruption in the context of severe preeclampsia.

• Hypoglycemia: There is no indication of low blood glucose in the client; laboratory results show glucose within normal limits (85 mg/dL). Hypoglycemia is not a typical complication of preeclampsia and is therefore not an immediate concern in this scenario.

• Cervical insufficiency: Cervical insufficiency typically presents earlier in gestation with painless dilation and risk of preterm birth, rather than in a 31-week client with hypertensive complications. The client’s symptoms of headache, edema, and proteinuria do not indicate cervical insufficiency.

A. Perform bimanual fundal massage: Excessive vaginal bleeding postpartum often indicates uterine atony. Performing a bimanual fundal massage helps stimulate uterine contraction, which can reduce hemorrhage. This is a primary and immediate intervention in postpartum bleeding management.

B. Weigh perineal pads: Weighing pads helps quantify blood loss but does not actively stop hemorrhage. While important for assessment and documentation, it is not the first action when the client is actively bleeding.

C. Initiate oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula: Administering oxygen may support tissue oxygenation but does not address the underlying cause of postpartum hemorrhage. Oxygen is supportive care and should not replace interventions to control bleeding.

D. Administer terbutaline: Terbutaline is a uterine relaxant used to treat preterm labor, which would worsen postpartum bleeding by inhibiting uterine contraction. It is contraindicated in cases of active postpartum hemorrhage.