A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who had HELLP syndrome and a cesarean birth.
The nurse should instruct the client to report which of the following findings to the provider?
Breast engorgement
Lochia rubra for 3 days postpartum
Headache unrelieved by analgesics
Perineal discomfort
The Correct Answer is C
Headache unrelieved by analgesics. This is because headache is a common symptom of HELLP syndrome, a rare pregnancy complication that can cause high blood pressure, seizures, stroke or liver rupture. HELLP syndrome is a type of preeclampsia and has similar symptoms.
Choice A is wrong because breast engorgement is a normal postpartum condition that occurs when the breasts are full of milk and become swollen and tender.
It is not related to HELLP syndrome.
Choice B is wrong because lochia rubra for 3 days postpartum is a normal finding that indicates the shedding of the uterine lining after delivery.
It is not related to HELLP syndrome.
Choice D is wrong because perineal discomfort is a common postpartum discomfort that results from the stretching and tearing of the perineal tissues during vaginal delivery.
It is not related to HELLP syndrome.
Normal ranges for blood pressure are less than 120/80 mmHg, for platelet count are 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter, and for liver enzymes are 7 to 56 units per liter for AST and 0 to 35 units per liter for ALT.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Magnesium sulfate therapy is used to prevent seizures in women with preeclampsia, a complication of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure and organ dysfunction.Seizures are a sign of eclampsia, a severe form of preeclampsia that can be life-threatening.
Therefore, if the therapy is successful, the woman should not have any seizures.
Choice B.Absence of proteinuria is wrong because proteinuria, or excess protein in urine, is a possible sign of preeclampsia, not eclampsia.
Proteinuria may not disappear even after magnesium sulfate therapy.
Choice C.Absence of edema is wrong because edema, or swelling, is a common symptom of pregnancy and may not be related to preeclampsia or eclampsia.
Edema may not disappear even after magnesium sulfate therapy.
Choice D.Absence of headache is wrong because headache is a symptom of preeclampsia, not eclampsia.
Headache may not disappear even after magnesium sulfate therapy.
Normal ranges for blood pressure are below 140/90 mm Hg and for protein in urine are below 300 mg per 24 hours.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The nurse should instruct the client to report any headache or visual changes to the doctor immediately, as these are signs of worsening preeclampsia that can lead to serious complications such as stroke, eclampsia, or HELLP syndrome.Preeclampsia can persist or even begin after delivery, most often within 48 hours, so the client should monitor her blood pressure and symptoms until they resolve.
Choice A is wrong because the client should not stop taking her blood pressure medication without consulting her doctor.Blood pressure medication helps lower the blood pressure and protects the organs from damage.The blood pressure usually returns to normal within several days to weeks after delivery, but some clients may need medication for longer.
Choice B is wrong because the client should not avoid breastfeeding her baby unless there is a medical reason to do so.Breastfeeding has many benefits for both the mother and the baby, and does not affect the blood pressure or the preeclampsia.
Choice D is wrong because the client should not limit her fluid intake to prevent fluid overload.Fluid overload is not a common complication of preeclampsia, and limiting fluids can cause dehydration and affect the milk supply for breastfeeding.
The client should drink enough fluids to stay hydrated and follow a balanced diet.
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.
