During a routine prenatal visit at the antepartal clinic, a multipara at 35 weeks gestation presents with 2+ edema of the ankles and feet. Which additional information should the practical nurse (PN) report to the registered nurse?
Blood pressure.
Due date.
Fundal height.
Gravida and parity.
The Correct Answer is A
Edema, particularly if it is new or worsening, can be an indicator of preeclampsia, a potentially serious condition characterized by high blood pressure and organ dysfunction. Monitoring the client's blood pressure is crucial in assessing for signs of preeclampsia and determining the appropriate course of action.
B. Due date: The due date is an important piece of information for monitoring the progress of the pregnancy, but it is not directly relevant to the client's presenting symptom of edema. The focus should be on assessing for potential complications associated with edema, such as preeclampsia.
C. Fundal height: Fundal height is a measurement used to estimate fetal growth and position. While it is an important parameter to monitor during prenatal visits, it is not directly related to the client's edema. The priority in this situation is to assess for signs of preeclampsia or other complications, which may require assessing the blood pressure.
D. Gravida and parity: Gravida refers to the total number of pregnancies a woman has had, while parity refers to the number of pregnancies that have reached viability (20 weeks or more). While these pieces of information provide a background understanding of the client's obstetric history, they do not provide immediate insight into the current issue of edema. Assessing the blood pressure would be more relevant in this situation to identify any potential complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A thready pulse refers to a pulse that is weak and difficult to palpate. It may disappear or weaken with light pressure. This can be an indication of decreased peripheral perfusion or reduced blood volume. By documenting the finding as "Thready pulse volume," the nurse is accurately describing the quality of the pulse and its response to light pressure.
Incorrect:
A. Missing pulse: A missing pulse would mean that the pulse is not palpable at all, even without applying pressure.
B. Light pressure applied to pulse: This is not a description of the pulse quality, but rather a description of the action taken to assess the pulse.
C. Pulse skips beats: This would mean that the pulse is irregular, with beats being missed or added. In this case, the pulse disappears when light pressure is applied and returns when the pressure is removed, which describes a thready pulse volume.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
The practical nurse (PN) should include the following actions when assessing a client for signs and symptoms of fluid volume excess:
- Palpate the rate and volume of the pulse: Fluid volume excess can lead to an increased pulse rate and bounding pulse due to the increased blood volume.
- Measure body weight at the same time daily: Monitoring daily weights can help identify fluid retention or weight gain, which can be indicative of fluid volume excess.
- Observe the color and amount of urine: Changes in urine color and output can provide information about kidney function and fluid balance. In fluid volume excess, urine output may be increased and urine may appear pale or diluted.
The following options are incorrect:
- Check fingernails for the presence of clubbing: Clubbing of the fingernails is not directly related to fluid volume excess. It is a finding commonly associated with chronic respiratory conditions and certain cardiac disorders.
- Compare muscle strength of both arms: Assessing muscle strength is not directly related to fluid volume excess. It is more relevant when evaluating neurological or musculoskeletal conditions.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today