A pregnant client tells the nurse that her LMP was 3 months ago and began on October 20. Using Naegele's rule, calculate the client's estimated date of delivery.

Answer format E.g. "October 20"

Rationale for correct condition: Hyperemesis gravidarum is a severe form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, leading to dehydration, weight loss, and electrolyte imbalance. The client's significant weight loss of 2.8 kg (6.2 lb) in two weeks, increased nausea and vomiting, and decreased appetite are classic symptoms. The elevated BUN level suggests dehydration, which aligns with hyperemesis gravidarum. The absence of abdominal pain and the presence of facial pallor further support this condition.

Rationale for actions:

1. Initiate IV fluid therapy to rehydrate the client and correct electrolyte imbalances caused by excessive vomiting.
2. Administer ondansetron IV to control nausea and vomiting, improving the client's ability to tolerate oral intake.

Rationale for parameters:

1. Weight should be monitored to assess the effectiveness of interventions and ensure the client is regaining or maintaining a healthy weight.
2. Urine output indicates hydration status and kidney function, helping to evaluate the adequacy of fluid replacement.

Rationale for incorrect conditions:

• Cholecystitis: The client denies abdominal or epigastric pain, which is a key symptom of cholecystitis.
• Gestational diabetes mellitus: There is no mention of elevated blood glucose levels or other diabetic symptoms.
• Preeclampsia: The client's blood pressure is within normal range, and there are no signs of hypertension or proteinuria.

Choice A rationale

During pregnancy, the body’s production of red blood cells usually increases to meet the increased demands of the growing fetus. Therefore, a drop in hematocrit is not typically due to insufficient red blood cell production.

Choice B rationale

While iron is essential during pregnancy, a reduction in hematocrit levels at 16 weeks' gestation is primarily due to increased plasma volume, rather than iron deficiency. Nutritional counseling may still be beneficial but isn't the primary explanation for this change.

Choice C rationale

A hematocrit level of 34% at 16 weeks is generally not considered indicative of a severe problem. Instead, it is a physiological response to increased plasma volume, known as dilutional anemia of pregnancy.

Choice D rationale

The primary reason for a lower hematocrit count during pregnancy is the increase in blood plasma volume, leading to dilutional anemia. This is a normal adaptation to pregnancy that ensures adequate blood flow to the fetus.