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?
“I will need to take magnesium sulfate for another week.”
“I will have to monitor my blood pressure at home for a month.”
“I will have to avoid breastfeeding until my condition resolves.”
“I will have to use contraception for at least 6 months.”
The Correct Answer is B
The client will have to monitor her blood pressure at home for a month after delivery because preeclampsia can persist or develop for the first time after delivery. The client should seek medical care if she has signs of postpartum preeclampsia, such as severe headaches, vision changes, severe belly pain, nausea and vomiting.
Choice A is wrong because magnesium sulfate is an anticonvulsant medication that is given to prevent seizures in women with severe preeclampsia during labor and usually for 24 hours after delivery.
It is not needed for another week.
Choice C is wrong because breastfeeding is not contraindicated in women with preeclampsia. Breastfeeding may even lower the blood pressure and help with bonding.
Choice D is wrong because contraception is not related to preeclampsia. The client should discuss with her healthcare provider about the best contraceptive method for her based on her medical history and preferences.
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
This is a manifestation of severe preeclampsia that indicates liver involvement and can precede a seizure.
The nurse should report this finding to the provider immediately and prepare for possible delivery of the baby.
Choice A is wrong because blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg is a sign of mild preeclampsia, not severe.Severe preeclampsia is diagnosed when the systolic pressure is 160 mm Hg or higher or the diastolic pressure is 110 mm Hg or higher.
Choice B is wrong because urine protein of 2+ is also a sign of mild preeclampsia, not severe.Severe preeclampsia is diagnosed when the urine protein is 3+ or higher.
Choice D is wrong because facial edema is a common finding in normal pregnancy and does not indicate severe preeclampsia.Other signs of severe preeclampsia include headache, blurred vision, oliguria, thrombocytopenia, and pulmonary edema.
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