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

Choice A reason: Hypocalcemia is not the priority focus of care, as it is a low level of calcium in the blood that can cause muscle twitching, seizures, or cardiac arrhythmias. Hypocalcemia can affect newborns who have mothers with diabetes mellitus, but it is less common and less severe than hypoglycemia.

Choice B reason: Hyperbilirubinemia is not the priority focus of care, as it is a high level of bilirubin in the blood that can cause jaundice, a yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes. Hyperbilirubinemia can affect newborns who have macrosomia, but it is usually a benign and self-limiting condition that resolves within a few days.

Choice C reason: Hypomagnesemia is not the priority focus of care, as it is a low level of magnesium in the blood that can cause tremors, tetany, or seizures. Hypomagnesemia can affect newborns who have mothers with diabetes mellitus, but it is rare and usually asymptomatic.

Choice D reason: Hypoglycemia is the priority focus of care, as it is a low level of glucose in the blood that can cause diaphoresis, jitteriness, lethargy, or apnea. Hypoglycemia can affect newborns who have macrosomia and mothers with diabetes mellitus, as they have increased insulin production and decreased glucose supply after birth. Hypoglycemia can lead to brain damage or death if not treated promptly.

Choice A reason: A tearful client who is at 32 weeks of gestation and is experiencing irregular, frequent contractions does not need to be reported to the provider immediately, because it may indicate preterm labor, which is not an emergency. The nurse should assess the client's cervix, fetal heart rate, and hydration status, and administer tocolytic therapy as prescribed.

Choice B reason: A client who has a diagnosis of preeclampsia has 2+ proteinuria and 2+ patellar reflexes does not need to be reported to the provider immediately, because they are expected findings in mild preeclampsia. The nurse should monitor the client's blood pressure, urine output, and reflexes, and administer antihypertensive and anticonvulsant medications as prescribed.

Choice C reason: A client who has a diagnosis of preeclampsia reports epigastric pain and unresolved headache needs to be reported to the provider immediately, because they are signs of severe preeclampsia or impending eclampsia. The nurse should prepare the client for delivery, as it is the only definitive treatment for preeclampsia.

Choice D reason: A client who is at 28 weeks of gestation and receiving terbutaline reports fine tremors does not need to be reported to the provider immediately, because they are a common and mild side effect of terbutaline, a beta-adrenergic agonist that relaxes the uterine smooth muscle. The nurse should reassure the client that the tremors are temporary and harmless, and monitor the client's pulse and blood pressure.