A woman who is 8 months pregnant is brought to the emergency department after a serious motor vehicle crash. Although she has no apparent injuries, she is admitted to the hospital for observation for which complication?
Placenta previa
Dehydration
Gestational hypertension
Abruptio placentae
The Correct Answer is D
Choice a) Placenta previa is incorrect because this is a condition where the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix, which can cause painless vaginal bleeding in the third trimester. It is not related to trauma and does not require hospitalization unless bleeding occurs.
Choice b) Dehydration is incorrect because this is a condition where the body loses more fluid than it takes in, which can cause symptoms such as thirst, dry mouth, headache, fatigue, and dizziness. It is not a complication of pregnancy and can be prevented by drinking enough water and avoiding caffeine and alcohol.
Choice c) Gestational hypertension is incorrect because this is a condition where the blood pressure rises above 140/90 mmHg after 20 weeks of pregnancy, which can cause complications such as preeclampsia, eclampsia, and fetal growth restriction. It is not caused by trauma and can be managed by regular antenatal care and medication if needed.
Choice d) Abruptio placentae is correct because this is a condition where the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery, which can cause severe vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, uterine contractions, and fetal distress. It is a life-threatening emergency that can be triggered by trauma and requires immediate delivery of the baby and treatment of shock and blood loss. Therefore, a woman who is 8 months pregnant and involved in a serious motor vehicle crash should be admitted to the hospital for observation for this complication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A) Newborns are abdominal breathers is incorrect because this is not a reason why the respiratory rate should be counted for a complete minute, but rather a characteristic of how newborns breathe. Abdominal breathing means that the diaphragm and the abdominal muscles are the main muscles used for breathing, rather than the chest muscles. Newborns are abdominal breathers because their chest wall is more compliant and less stable than adults, and their intercostal muscles are not fully developed. Abdominal breathing does not affect the accuracy or duration of measuring the respiratory rate, as long as the abdomen is visible and palpable. Therefore, this response is irrelevant and inaccurate.
Choice B) Activity will increase the respiratory rate is incorrect because this is not a reason why the respiratory rate should be counted for a complete minute, but rather a factor that can influence the respiratory rate. Activity means any physical or mental exertion that requires more oxygen and energy from the body. Activity can increase the respiratory rate, as well as the heart rate and blood pressure, to meet the increased oxygen demand and carbon dioxide removal. However, activity does not affect the accuracy or duration of measuring the respiratory rate, as long as the newborn is calm and resting during the measurement. Therefore, this response is irrelevant and inaccurate.
Choice C) The rate and rhythm of breath are irregular in newborns is correct because this is a reason why the respiratory rate should be counted for a complete minute. The rate and rhythm of breath refer to how fast and how regularly one breathes. Newborns have an irregular rate and rhythm of breath, which means that they breathe at different speeds and intervals, sometimes pausing for a few seconds between breaths. This is normal and harmless for newborns, as long as they do not stop breathing for more than 20 seconds or show signs of distress. However, it can make it difficult to measure the respiratory rate accurately, as counting for a shorter period may not reflect the true average rate. Therefore, counting for a complete minute can ensure a more reliable measurement. Therefore, this response is clear and accurate.
Choice D) Newborns do not expand their lungs fully with each respiration is incorrect because this is not a reason why the respiratory rate should be counted for a complete minute, but rather a feature of how newborns breathe.
Lung expansion means how much air one inhales and exhales with each breath. Newborns do not expand their lungs fully with each respiration, because they have smaller lung volumes and capacities than adults, and they breathe more shallowly and rapidly. However, lung expansion does not affect the accuracy or duration of measuring the respiratory rate, as long as the chest or abdomen movement is visible and palpable. Therefore, this response is irrelevant and inaccurate.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A) Weight gain of 0.5 kg during the past 2 weeks: This is a normal weight gain for a pregnant woman and does not indicate preeclampsia.
Choice B) Pitting pedal edema at the end of the day: This is a common symptom of pregnancy and does not necessarily indicate preeclampsia. It can be relieved by elevating the legs and wearing compression stockings.
Choice C) Blood pressure increase to 138/86 mm Hg: This is a mild elevation of blood pressure and does not meet the criteria for preeclampsia, which is defined as a systolic blood pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher or a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher on two occasions at least four hours apart.
Choice D) Dipstick value of 3+ for protein in her urine: This is a sign of significant proteinuria, which is one of the main features of preeclampsia. Proteinuria is defined as a urinary protein excretion of 300 mg or more in 24 hours or a dipstick reading of 1+ or higher. A dipstick value of 3+ indicates severe proteinuria and requires immediate attention and treatment. This woman has the highest risk of developing complications from preeclampsia, such as eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, placental abruption, or fetal growth restriction . Therefore, she should be seen by the nurse first.
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