A nurse is reviewing the discharge instructions for a client who had severe preeclampsia and delivered her baby at 34 weeks of gestation by cesarean birth.

Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

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.

“I will resume my normal activities as soon as possible.” This statement indicates a need for further teaching because a woman who had severe pre-eclampsia should rest more often and avoid strenuous activities until her blood pressure is normal and stable.She should also follow up with her doctor regularly and monitor her blood pressure at home.

Choice A is wrong because it is important to monitor blood pressure at home for a few weeks after having pre-eclampsia.

This can help detect any signs of worsening hypertension or organ damage.

Choice B is wrong because it is advisable to call the doctor if there are any headaches or vision changes, as these could be signs of brain injury or eclampsia.

Eclampsia is a serious complication of pre-eclampsia that causes seizures.

Choice C is wrong because some over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen, can increase blood pressure and should be avoided by women with pre-eclampsia.However, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is usually safe to take for mild pain relief.

Normal ranges for blood pressure during pregnancy are less than 140/90 mmHg.Normal ranges for protein in urine during pregnancy are less than 300 mg in 24 hours.