A primigravida is being monitored at the prenatal clinic for preeclampsia. Which finding is of greatest concern to the nurse?

Choice A reason: Misoprostol is not the first line medication for postpartum hemorrhage, as it is a prostaglandin E1 analog that causes uterine contractions and cervical ripening. Misoprostol is used for the prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage, but it is less effective and more side effects than oxytocin, which is the first line medication.

Choice B reason: Pitocin is the first line medication for postpartum hemorrhage, as it is a synthetic form of oxytocin, which is a hormone that stimulates uterine contractions and retraction. Pitocin is used for the induction and augmentation of labor, and the prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage, as it reduces blood loss and enhances hemostasis.

Choice C reason: Hemabate is not the first line medication for postpartum hemorrhage, as it is a prostaglandin F2 alpha analog that causes uterine contractions and vasoconstriction. Hemabate is used for the treatment of postpartum hemorrhage, but it is contraindicated in clients with asthma, hypertension, or cardiac disease, as it can cause bronchospasm, hypertension, or cardiac arrhythmias.

Choice D reason: Methergine is not the first line medication for postpartum hemorrhage, as it is an ergot alkaloid that causes sustained uterine contractions and vasoconstriction. Methergine is used for the treatment of postpartum hemorrhage, but it is contraindicated in clients with hypertension, preeclampsia, or cardiac disease, as it can cause severe hypertension, cerebrovascular accidents, or myocardial infarction.

Choice A reason: Increased risk of anemia is not a likely cause of respiratory distress in a term macrosomic newborn, as it can affect any newborn regardless of the maternal diabetes status or the fetal size. Anemia can cause pallor, tachycardia, and poor feeding, but not respiratory distress.

Choice B reason: Hyperinsulinemia is a likely cause of respiratory distress in a term macrosomic newborn, as it results from the fetal exposure to high maternal glucose levels and the subsequent overproduction of insulin. Hyperinsulinemia can impair the synthesis of surfactant, which is a substance that prevents the alveoli from collapsing and facilitates gas exchange. Hyperinsulinemia can also cause hypoglycemia, which can affect the respiratory center and cause apnea.

Choice C reason: Increased blood viscosity is not a likely cause of respiratory distress in a term macrosomic newborn, as it can affect any newborn with polycythemia, which is an abnormally high number of red blood cells. Polycythemia can cause cyanosis, jaundice, and thrombosis, but not respiratory distress.

Choice D reason: Brachial plexus injury is not a likely cause of respiratory distress in a term macrosomic newborn, as it affects the nerves that supply the arm and hand, not the lungs. Brachial plexus injury can occur due to the excessive traction or stretching of the shoulder during delivery, and can cause weakness, paralysis, or sensory loss in the affected arm.