A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has mild preeclampsia.
Which of the following findings would indicate a need for further evaluation?
Platelet count of 150,000/mm3
Serum creatinine of 1.2 mg/dL
Proteinuria of 1+ on dipstick
Serum albumin of 3.5 g/dL
The Correct Answer is B
Serum creatinine of 1.2 mg/dL. This indicates a need for further evaluation because it is above the normal range of 0.6 to 1.1 mg/dL for women and suggests kidney impairment. Preeclampsia can affect the kidneys and other organs.
Choice A is wrong because a platelet count of 150,000/mm3 is within the normal range of 150,000 to 450,000/mm3.
Choice C is wrong because proteinuria of 1+ on dipstick is expected in mild preeclampsia.
Choice D is wrong because serum albumin of 3.5 g/dL is within the normal range of 3.4 to 5.4 g/dL.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The most likely explanation for the client's findings of severe headache, blurred vision, hyperreflexia, and clonus in the context of severe pre-eclampsia is A. Cerebral edema.
Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition characterized by high blood pressure (hypertension) and signs of organ damage, most commonly affecting the liver and kidneys. Severe pre-eclampsia can lead to complications such as eclampsia, which is characterized by seizures. The symptoms described by the client, including severe headache and blurred vision, are consistent with neurological manifestations associated with severe pre-eclampsia.
Hyperreflexia refers to an exaggerated reflex response, and clonus refers to rhythmic contractions of a muscle when it is passively stretched. Both hyperreflexia and clonus are indicative of central nervous system (CNS) hyperexcitability. Cerebral edema, which is the swelling of the brain due to fluid accumulation, can lead to increased intracranial pressure and neurological symptoms such as headache, vision changes, hyperreflexia, and clonus.
While other complications such as pulmonary edema (B), hemolysis (C), and thrombocytopenia (D) can occur in severe pre-eclampsia, they are not directly associated with the reported symptoms of severe headache, blurred vision, hyperreflexia, and clonus.
Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition characterized by high blood pressure (hypertension) and signs of organ damage, most commonly affecting the liver and kidneys. Severe pre-eclampsia can lead to complications such as eclampsia, which is characterized by seizures. The symptoms described by the client, including severe headache and blurred vision, are consistent with neurological manifestations associated with severe pre-eclampsia.
Hyperreflexia refers to an exaggerated reflex response, and clonus refers to rhythmic contractions of a muscle when it is passively stretched. Both hyperreflexia and clonus are indicative of central nervous system (CNS) hyperexcitability. Cerebral edema, which is the swelling of the brain due to fluid accumulation, can lead to increased intracranial pressure and neurological symptoms such as headache, vision changes, hyperreflexia, and clonus.
While other complications such as pulmonary edema (B), hemolysis (C), and thrombocytopenia (D) can occur in severe pre-eclampsia, they are not directly associated with the reported symptoms of severe headache, blurred vision, hyperreflexia, and clonus.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This is the rationale for using this medication in a client with pre-eclampsia who has a blood pressure of 180/110 mmHg.High blood pressure in pre-eclampsia can cause damage to the kidneys, liver, brain, and other organs, and can also increase the risk of complications for the baby.
Therefore, lowering blood pressure with hydralazine can help prevent or reduce these adverse outcomes.
Choice A is wrong because hydralazine does not reduce cerebral edema or prevent seizures.These are symptoms of eclampsia, a more severe form of pre-eclampsia that requires different treatment.
Choice B is wrong because hydralazine does not increase uteroplacental perfusion or fetal oxygenation.These are affected by other factors such as the placental function, maternal position, and fetal well-being.
Choice C is wrong because hydralazine does not decrease proteinuria or prevent renal damage.
Proteinuria is a sign of kidney impairment that occurs in pre-eclampsia, but it is not directly affected by hydralazine.Renal damage can be prevented by controlling blood pressure and avoiding nephrotoxic drugs.
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