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 B
Explanation
A. Observe an area of redness on the breast of a client who is 1 day postpartum.
Assessment is outside the scope of practice for an AP. The nurse must assess the redness, as it could indicate mastitis or engorgement requiring further evaluation.
B. Provide a sitz bath to a client who has a fourth-degree laceration and is 2 days postpartum.
Assisting with hygiene and comfort measures, such as a sitz bath, is within the AP’s scope of practice. The nurse should ensure that the client understands proper perineal care and has no contraindications.
C. Monitor vital signs during admission of a client who has gestational hypertension.
Clients with gestational hypertension require close monitoring, and initial admission assessments, including vital signs, must be performed by the nurse to identify signs of preeclampsia or worsening hypertension.
D. Change the initial perineal pad of a client who just transferred from labor and delivery.
The first perineal pad change is an assessment opportunity for the nurse, allowing them to evaluate bleeding amount, presence of clots, and signs of postpartum hemorrhage. The nurse should perform the initial assessment and pad change before delegating routine hygiene tasks to the AP.
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"A","dropdown-group-2":"B","dropdown-group-3":"C"}
Explanation
Correct answers: The nurse's greatest concern is the client's risk of developing HELLP syndrome and related to thrombocytopenia and elevated liver enzymes.
Rationale:
I. HELLP syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes, and Low Platelets) is a severe form of preeclampsia that can lead to life-threatening complications.
Ii. Thrombocytopenia (low platelets) (120,000) increases the risk of bleeding.
Iii. Elevated liver enzymes (ALT 75, AST 78, Alkaline Phosphatase 184) suggest liver involvement, which is a hallmark of HELLP syndrome.
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