Based on the clients assessment on 2/11 at 1200, indicate if the client's condition is improving, worsening or not related based on the condition.
Deep tendon reflexes (DTR)
Creatinine
client denies pain
Vaginal exam
Blood pressure
Decreased sensation in legs
The Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"B"},"B":{"answers":"B"},"C":{"answers":"C"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"A"},"F":{"answers":"C"}}
A. Deep tendon reflexes (DTR) – Worsening
On 2/10, the client had hyperreflexia (DTRs 3+) and no clonus. By 2/11, the DTRs had increased to 4+ with positive clonus, indicating neuromuscular hyperexcitability, a hallmark of worsening preeclampsia with severe features. Clonus is a concerning sign that suggests progression toward eclampsia (seizures). This indicates neurological worsening.
B. Creatinine – Worsening
The client's creatinine level increased from 1.4 mg/dL (already elevated) to 2.0 mg/dL, which is indicative of worsening renal function. Normal pregnancy should not cause a creatinine rise above 1.1 mg/dL, so this elevation suggests renal impairment due to severe preeclampsia. The worsening creatinine level indicates deteriorating kidney function, possibly due to reduced renal perfusion.
C. Client denies pain – Unrelated
The absence of pain is not directly related to the client’s condition worsening or improving. While pain can be a symptom of severe preeclampsia (such as epigastric pain from liver involvement), the client currently has an epidural, which can explain the lack of pain perception. The denial of pain does not indicate improvement in the disease process but rather effective pain management.
D. Vaginal exam – Improvement
The vaginal exam findings indicate progress in labor. On 2/10, the client was not noted to be in active labor, but by 2/11, she was 7 cm dilated, 80% effaced, and at 0 station, with contractions increasing in frequency and intensity. This progression suggests that labor is advancing appropriately.
E. Blood pressure – Worsening
The client’s blood pressure was severely elevated on 2/10 (168/100 mmHg) and remained high on 2/11 (152/86 mmHg). While slightly lower, the diastolic remains elevated, and systolic pressures are still high. Given the worsening DTRs, renal function decline, and elevated liver enzymes, the blood pressure changes are not a sign of improvement but rather persistent hypertension despite possible interventions.
F. Decreased sensation in legs – Unrelated
The client received an epidural for pain relief, which normally causes decreased sensation in the lower extremities. This finding is not related to worsening preeclampsia or labor progression but is an expected effect of the epidural anesthesia. The client’s ability to slightly move her legs confirms that the block is working properly.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B"]
Explanation
A. Slurred speech – Slurred speech may indicate systemic absorption of the epidural medication, leading to toxicity or excessive central nervous system depression, which requires immediate intervention.
B. Respiratory depression – A serious complication of epidural anesthesia is respiratory depression, which may result from excessive medication spread, affecting respiratory function. Immediate intervention is required.
C. Decreased sensation in the lower extremities – This is an expected effect of an epidural and does not necessarily require immediate reporting unless it extends beyond expected levels.
D. Sustained fetal heart rate of 150 bpm – This fetal heart rate is within the normal range (110-160 bpm) and does not indicate distress.
E. Blood pressure 108/62 – While hypotension can be a side effect of epidural anesthesia, this blood pressure is within an acceptable range for many clients and does not require immediate intervention unless the client is symptomatic.
Correct Answer is []
Explanation
A. Assessment Cues
- Unprotected Sexual Activity increases the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The client has had multiple sexual partners in the past month without protection, making her susceptible to infections such as trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and bacterial vaginosis. This is a significant risk factor for her symptoms.
- Foul-smelling discharge is a common symptom of trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, and other vaginal infections. UTIs primarily cause dysuria, frequency, urgency, and suprapubic pain, not vaginal symptoms. Since the urinalysis does not show leukocytes, nitrates, or bacteria, a UTI is unlikely.
B. Condition – Trichomoniasis
The client's symptoms—green-yellow vaginal discharge, vaginal itching, and foul-smelling odor—are classic signs of trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by Trichomonas vaginalis. The disease is associated with malodorous discharge, vaginal irritation, and possible dysuria.
C. Anticipated Solutions
- Oral Metronidazole: The first-line treatment for trichomoniasis is oral metronidazole (Flagyl) 2g as a single dose or 500mg twice daily for 7 days. Metronidazole effectively eliminates the infection. Patients must be educated to avoid alcohol while taking metronidazole due to the risk of a disulfiram-like reaction (severe nausea and vomiting).
- Safe sexual behaviors, such as consistent condom use, regular STI screening, mutual monogamy, and open communication about sexual history, are essential for reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including trichomoniasis.
Incorrect answers:
Human Papillomavirus (HPV): HPV causes genital warts and increases the risk of cervical cancer, but it does not typically cause vaginal discharge, itching, or foul odor. Therefore, HPV is not the most likely condition in this case.
Depression: While multiple sexual partners and STI diagnoses can cause emotional distress, depression is not directly relevant to her current presentation. However, mental health screening may be beneficial if she expresses concerns about her emotional well-being.
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause genital ulcers, pain, and discomfort. However, based on the client’s symptoms, HSV is not the most likely diagnosis.
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