A nurse on an antepartum unit is receiving change-of-shift report for four clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse assess first?
A client who is at 34 weeks of gestation and is experiencing epigastric pain and headache.
A client who is at 12 weeks of gestation and is experiencing nausea and vomiting.
A client who is at 38 weeks of gestation and is experiencing painful urination.
A client who is at 39 weeks of gestation and is experiencing cramping and spotting.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should assess this client first as they are at 34 weeks of gestation and experiencing epigastric pain and headache. These symptoms could be indicative of preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and organ damage. Preeclampsia requires immediate assessment and intervention to prevent further complications.
Choice B rationale:
Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms during the first trimester of pregnancy, and at 12 weeks of gestation, it is less likely to be a critical issue compared to potential preeclampsia.
Choice C rationale:
Painful urination may indicate a urinary tract infection, which can be important to assess and treat, but it is not as urgent as potential signs of preeclampsia in a client at 34 weeks of gestation.
Choice D rationale:
Cramping and spotting can be normal signs of impending labor, especially at 39 weeks of gestation. While it's important to assess this client, it is not the priority over potential preeclampsia in a client at 34 weeks of gestation with symptoms of epigastric pain and headache.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice Arationale:
Offering the client a sitz bath may provide some relief, but it does not address the underlying issue of bladder distention. The priority is to address the bladder distention directly.
Choice Brationale:
Inserting a urinary catheter is not the first-line intervention for bladder distention after vaginal birth. Catheterization carries a risk of infection and trauma, so it should only be done if other interventions are not effective.
Choice C rationale:
Assisting the client to the bathroom is the first action the nurse should take. Bladder distention can occur after birth due to the pressure on the bladder during labour and birth. Encouraging the client to empty her bladder will relieve the distention and promote comfort.
Choice D rationale:
Pouring warm water over the client's perineum might provide some comfort, but it does not address the bladder distention itself.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Measuring the abdominal circumference at the level of the newborn's umbilicus every 12 hr is a critical action in this scenario. The newborn has necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a serious gastrointestinal condition, and measuring abdominal circumference can help monitor for changes in abdominal distention, which is a sign of NEC progression.
Choice B rationale:
Inserting an orogastric decompression tube with low wall suction may not be the most appropriate action for a newborn with NEC. While decompression tubes can be used in some cases of NEC, their insertion should be guided by specific clinical indications, and not all cases require them.
Choice C rationale:
Providing the newborn with an iron-rich formula containing vitamin B12 every 2 hr is not indicated for NEC. NEC requires specialized medical management and treatment, which may include bowel rest and other interventions, but providing iron-rich formula is not one of them.
Choice D rationale:
Administering nitric oxide inhalation therapy is not relevant to the management of NEC. Nitric oxide inhalation therapy is used for respiratory conditions, particularly persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, and does not address the gastrointestinal issues seen in NEC.
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