A nurse is providing care at a routine visit for a client who is at 36 weeks of gestation.
The client reports a mild headache for the last several days as well as “heartburn”. The client denies visual disturbances, vaginal bleeding, or leakage of fluid from the vagina.
The client reports occasional contractions and positive fetal movement.
The client reports they are unable to remove rings from fingers for the last several days. The client reports feeling dizzy when they got up from the examination table.
Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider? (Select all that apply)
Cerebral manifestations.
Gastrointestinal assessment findings.
Respiratory rate.
Deep tendon reflexes.
Correct Answer : A,B,D
Choice A rationale
Cerebral manifestations such as a mild headache can be a sign of preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, often the liver and kidneys. This should be reported to the provider.
Choice B rationale
Gastrointestinal assessment findings such as heartburn can be common in pregnancy due to hormonal changes and the growing uterus pressing on the stomach. However, severe or persistent heartburn may indicate a more serious condition like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or preeclampsia. This should be reported to the provider.
Choice C rationale
Respiratory rate alone, without knowing whether it’s increased, decreased, or normal, is not enough information to determine if it should be reported to the provider.
Choice D rationale
Deep tendon reflexes can be hyperactive in clients with preeclampsia. An increase in deep tendon reflexes can be a sign of worsening preeclampsia and should be reported to the provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Gravida 4 Para 3 at 33 weeks of gestation is not an alarming finding. It simply indicates that the woman is pregnant for the fourth time and has had three previous deliveries. This is a normal part of the woman’s obstetric history and does not need to be reported to the provider.
Choice B rationale
Allergies, such as a sulfa allergy, are important to note in the patient’s medical history. However, unless the patient is being prescribed a medication that she is allergic to, this information does not need to be urgently reported to the provider.
Choice C rationale
A height of 165 cm (66 in), weight of 82 kg (180 lb), and BMI of 30.6 are all within normal ranges for a pregnant woman. These measurements are part of routine prenatal care and do not need to be urgently reported to the provider.
Choice D rationale
A weight gain of 32 kg (7 lb) over the last 2 weeks is concerning. Rapid weight gain can be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure. This should be reported to the provider immediately.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale: An awake, alert, and crying newborn is a common observation and does not specifically indicate Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). Newborns have varying sleep-wake cycles, and it’s normal for them to have periods of being awake and alert. Crying is also a normal behavior for newborns as it’s their primary means of communication. It could indicate a variety of needs such as hunger, the need for a diaper change, or just the need for comfort and contact. Therefore, while an excessively crying baby could potentially be a sign of discomfort or distress, it is
not specifically indicative of NAS.
Choice B rationale: The presence of acrocyanosis, which is the bluish color of the hands and feet, is a normal finding in the first 24 to 48 hours of life due to immature circulation. It’s not specifically associated with NAS. NAS is a group of problems that occur in a newborn who was exposed to addictive opiate drugs while in the mother’s womb. Acrocyanosis is generally not a symptom of NAS.
Choice C rationale: A respiratory rate of 70/min is higher than the normal range (30-60/min) for a newborn and could indicate respiratory distress. However, it’s not specifically indicative of NAS. There are many potential causes of tachypnea (increased respiratory rate) in a newborn, including transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN), respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), pneumonia, meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), and more. While infants with NAS mayexperience symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, and rapid breathing, a high respiratory rate alone is not specifically indicative of NAS.
Choice D rationale: Jitteriness in the hands of a newborn can be a sign of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). NAS is a drug withdrawal syndrome in newborns that occurs primarily among opioid-exposed infants shortly after birth, often manifested by central nervous system irritability, autonomic overreactivity, and gastrointestinal tract dysfunction. Jitteriness or tremors, especially when disturbed, along with other signs such as high-pitched crying, poor feeding, and
loose stools, are more indicative of NAS.
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.