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 A
Explanation
The appropriate action for the practical nurse (PN) in this situation would be to ask the client if he is currently hearing voices. This step is important to assess the client's current state and gather information about his experiences. By directly asking the client about hearing voices, the PN can gain insight into the client's symptoms and determine if there is a need for further intervention or support.
B. Having the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) escort the client to his room may not be necessary at this point, as the client may simply be engaging in self-talk or may prefer some time alone. However, if the client's behavior becomes disruptive, agitated, or poses a safety risk, involving the UAP or taking other appropriate measures may be warranted.
C. Recording the event is important for documentation purposes, but it should not be the only action taken. It is crucial to actively assess the client's well-being and address any potential concerns or needs.
D. Administering an as-needed (PRN) dose of haloperidol without further assessment or consulting the healthcare provider would be inappropriate. Medication decisions should be based on a comprehensive evaluation of the client's symptoms and the healthcare provider's recommendations.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This is the correct answer because BUN and creatinine are the most important laboratory values to monitor for nephrotoxicity, which is the damage or injury to the kidneys caused by certain drugs or chemicals.
Nephrotoxicity can impair the kidneys' ability to filter waste products from the blood, resulting in elevated levels of BUN and creatinine. The normal range for BUN is 7 to 20 mg/dL, and for creatinine is 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL. The practical nurse (PN) should review these values before administering an antibiotic that can cause nephrotoxicity, such as aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, vancomycin, or sulfonamides. The PN should also monitor the client for signs and symptoms of nephrotoxicity, such as decreased urine output, edema, hypertension, fatigue, nausea, and confusion.
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