A woman hospitalized with severe preeclampsia is being treated with hydralazine to control blood pressure. Which finding would lead the nurse to suspect that the client is having an adverse effect associated with this drug?
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Sweating
Tachycardia
Blurred vision
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because gastrointestinal bleeding is not an adverse effect of hydralazine, which is a vasodilator that lowers blood pressure by relaxing the smooth muscles of the blood vessels. Gastrointestinal bleeding can be caused by other conditions such as ulcers, gastritis, or hemorrhoids.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because sweating is not an adverse effect of hydralazine, but a normal response to vasodilation and heat loss. Sweating can also be caused by other factors such as fever, anxiety, or exercise.
Choice C Reason: This is correct because tachycardia is an adverse effect of hydralazine, which can occur as a reflex response to vasodilation and hypotension. Tachycardia can increase the cardiac workload and oxygen demand, which can be harmful for pregnant women with preeclampsia who already have impaired placental perfusion and fetal hypoxia.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because blurred vision is not an adverse effect of hydralazine, but a symptom of severe preeclampsia that indicates cerebral edema or ischemia. Blurred vision can also be caused by other conditions such as diabetes, glaucoma, or cataracts.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because sickle-cell anemia is a genetic disorder that affects the shape and function of red blood cells. It does not affect the AFP level, which is a protein produced by the fetus and placenta. Sickle-cell anemia can be detected by other prenatal tests, such as hemoglobin electrophoresis or DNA analysis.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because cardiac defects are structural abnormalities of the heart or blood vessels that affect the blood flow and oxygen delivery to the fetus. They may cause an increased AFP level, not a decreased one, as they can lead to fetal distress or edema. Cardiac defects can be detected by other prenatal tests, such as fetal echocardiography or ultrasound.
Choice C Reason: This is correct because Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder that results from an extra copy of chromosome 21. It causes various physical and mental developmental delays and defects in the fetus. It is associated with a decreased AFP level, as well as decreased levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and unconjugated estriol (uE3). Down syndrome can be confirmed by other prenatal tests, such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS).
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because respiratory disorders are problems that affect the breathing and gas exchange of the fetus. They may cause an increased AFP level, not a decreased one, as they can lead to fetal distress or edema. Respiratory disorders can be detected by other prenatal tests, such as fetal biophysical profile (BPP) or nonstress test (NST).
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This option is incorrect because it underestimates the number of pregnancies (gravida) and overestimates the number of preterm births (preterm). The client has had four pregnancies (twins count as one pregnancy), not three. The client has had one preterm birth (the twins), not two.
Choice B Reason: This option is correct because it accurately reflects the client's obstetric history. GTPAL stands for Gravida, Term, Preterm, Abortions, and Living children. Gravida is the number of pregnancies a woman has had, regardless of outcome. Term is the number of pregnancies that ended at or beyond 37 weeks gestation. Preterm is the number of pregnancies that ended between 20 and 36 weeks gestation. Abortions are the number of pregnancies that ended before 20 weeks gestation, either spontaneously or induced. Living children are the number of children who are alive at present.
The client has had four pregnancies (gravida), one term birth (the son), one preterm birth (the twins), one abortion (the miscarriage), and three living children (the twins and the son).
Choice C Reason: This option is incorrect because it overestimates the number of preterm births (preterm) and underestimates the number of living children (living). The client has had one preterm birth (the twins), not two. The client has three living children (the twins and the son), not one.
Choice D Reason: This option is incorrect because it underestimates the number of pregnancies (gravida) and overestimates the number of abortions (abortions) and preterm births (preterm). The client has had four pregnancies (twins count as one pregnancy), not three. The client has had one abortion (the miscarriage), not two. The client has had one preterm birth (the twins), not two.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.