A woman with preeclampsia has a seizure. What is the nurse's highest priority during a seizure?

Choice A reason: Tampons are not safe to use to absorb the leaking amniotic fluid, because they can introduce bacteria into the vagina and uterus, and increase the risk of infection and preterm labor. The nurse should instruct the client to use sanitary pads instead, and change them frequently.

Choice B reason: Reporting a temperature less than 37 degrees C is not a necessary activity, because it is a normal finding and does not indicate any complication. The nurse should instruct the client to report a temperature greater than 37.8 degrees C, which can be a sign of infection or chorioamnionitis.

Choice C reason: Not engaging in sexual activity is a recommended activity, because it can help prevent further rupture of membranes, infection, and preterm labor. The nurse should instruct the client to avoid any vaginal or cervical stimulation, such as intercourse, douching, or tampon use.

Choice D reason: Taking frequent tub baths is not a safe activity, because it can expose the vagina and uterus to contaminated water, and increase the risk of infection and preterm labor. The nurse should instruct the client to take showers instead, and avoid submerging the lower body in water.

Choice A reason: She is exhibiting hypertonic uterine dysfunction, because she has frequent and painful contractions that are ineffective in dilating the cervix. Hypertonic uterine dysfunction occurs when the uterus contracts too often and too forcefully, resulting in poor oxygenation and fetal distress. The woman may need tocolytic therapy, pain relief, and hydration.

Choice B reason: She is not experiencing a normal latent stage, because her contractions are too frequent and too painful for this phase of labor. The normal latent stage is characterized by irregular and mild contractions that gradually increase in frequency and intensity, and cervical dilation from 0 to 3 cm.

Choice C reason: She is not experiencing precipitous labor, because her labor is not progressing rapidly. Precipitous labor is defined as labor that lasts less than 3 hours from the onset of contractions to the delivery of the baby. It is associated with cervical dilation of more than 5 cm per hour.

Choice D reason: She is not exhibiting hypotonic uterine dysfunction, because her contractions are not weak or infrequent. Hypotonic uterine dysfunction occurs when the uterus contracts too weakly or too rarely, resulting in prolonged labor and increased risk of infection. The woman may need oxytocin augmentation, amniotomy, or cesarean section.