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
Hives (also known as urticaria) are raised, red, itchy welts on the skin that can be caused by an allergic reaction to medication, including antibiotics. It is essential for the PN to recognize this potentially severe allergic reaction and take immediate action.
Immediate action steps include:
- Stop the infusion of the intravenous antibiotic immediately.
- Notify the healthcare provider and report the allergic reaction.
- Assess the client's airway, breathing, and circulation to ensure there are no signs of respiratory distress or anaphylaxis.
- Administer prescribed emergency medications if needed (e.g., epinephrine, antihistamines).
- Monitor the client closely for any further signs of an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis.
The other assessment findings mentioned are also important to address, but they do not require immediate action:
A- Dry mouth with thirst: This may indicate dehydration, which should be addressed by encouraging the client to drink fluids, but it does not pose an immediate threat to the client's safety.
B- Warm skin with elastic turgor: This suggests that the client is adequately hydrated, and the skin's elasticity is normal, which is a positive finding.
C- Low-grade fever with diaphoresis: A low-grade fever indicates a mild elevation in temperature, and diaphoresis (sweating) may be the body's response to regulate temperature. The PN should monitor the client's temperature and assess for other signs of infection, but this finding does not require immediate action
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "Are you planning to obey the voices?" – This question is crucial as it assesses the immediate risk of harm to the client or others. Determining if the client intends to follow commands from hallucinations provides insight into potential danger, ensuring safety is prioritized.
B. "Have you taken any hallucinogens?" – While drug use can contribute to hallucinations, asking about substance use is less urgent than assessing potential harm from the voices. Immediate safety takes precedence over exploring potential causes at this stage.
C. "When did these voices begin?" – Knowing when the symptoms started is relevant for understanding the history of the hallucinations but is secondary to determining if the client intends to act on any commands from the voices, as safety is the first priority.
D. "Do you believe the voices are real?" – This question helps assess the client’s insight into the hallucinations but is not as critical as assessing the immediate risk of harm by determining if the client plans to follow any commands from the voices.
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