An African American woman noticed some bruises on her newborn girl's buttocks.
She asks the nurse who spanked her daughter.
The nurse explains that these marks are called:

Choice A rationale

A pounding headache, visual changes, and epigastric pain in a patient with pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), now known as gestational hypertension or preeclampsia, are serious signs indicating worsening disease severity. These symptoms suggest central nervous system irritability (headache, visual changes) and potential liver involvement or severe preeclampsia (epigastric pain), increasing the risk of eclampsia, which is characterized by seizures.

Choice B rationale

Magnesium sulfate is a medication commonly used to prevent seizures in patients with severe preeclampsia. While it can cause side effects such as flushing, warmth, and muscle weakness, it does not typically cause a pounding headache, visual changes, or epigastric pain. These symptoms are indicative of the underlying disease process, not the medication.

Choice C rationale

While hospitalization can induce anxiety in some patients, the specific combination of a pounding headache, visual changes, and epigastric pain in the context of pregnancy-induced hypertension strongly suggests a physiological basis related to the worsening of the hypertensive disorder, rather than solely psychological distress.

Choice D rationale

While epigastric pain can be associated with gastrointestinal issues, in a patient with pregnancy-induced hypertension experiencing a pounding headache and visual changes concurrently, it is more likely related to hepatic involvement or severe preeclampsia. A focused assessment of the gastrointestinal system alone would not adequately address the potential severity of the situation.

Choice A rationale

Hyperemesis gravidarum is severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, typically occurring in the first trimester. While amniocentesis can cause some discomfort, it is not a known risk factor for hyperemesis.

Choice B rationale

Proteinuria is the presence of protein in the urine, which can be a sign of preeclampsia, a condition that can occur later in pregnancy. Amniocentesis, usually performed in the second trimester, is not directly linked to causing proteinuria.

Choice C rationale

Amniocentesis is an invasive procedure that involves inserting a needle through the abdominal wall and uterus to withdraw amniotic fluid. This procedure carries a risk of bleeding or hemorrhage from the insertion site or within the uterus. Therefore, observing for signs of hemorrhage is a crucial nursing intervention post-amniocentesis.

Choice D rationale

Hypoxia is a condition of insufficient oxygen supply to the tissues. While complications of amniocentesis could indirectly lead to fetal hypoxia in rare cases (e.g., placental abruption), it is not a direct and common complication to observe for in the mother. Hemorrhage is a more immediate and direct risk for the mother. .