The nurse is caring for a woman who is at 24 weeks of gestation with suspected severe preeclampsia. Which signs and symptoms would the nurse expect to observe? (Select all that apply)
Seizure activity and hypotension
Platelet count of less than 100,000/mm3 and visual problems
Ankle clonus and epigastric pain
Decreased urinary output and irritability
Correct Answer : B,C,D
Choice A reason: Seizure activity and hypotension are not signs and symptoms of severe preeclampsia, but rather of eclampsia, which is a life-threatening complication of preeclampsia. Eclampsia is characterized by convulsions and coma, and it requires immediate treatment to prevent maternal and fetal death.
Choice B reason: Platelet count of less than 100,000/mm3 and visual problems are signs and symptoms of severe preeclampsia, as they indicate hematologic and neurologic complications. Severe preeclampsia can cause thrombocytopenia, which is a low platelet count that increases the risk of bleeding. It can also cause cerebral edema, which can impair the vision and cause blurred vision, spots, or flashes of light.
Choice C reason: Ankle clonus and epigastric pain are signs and symptoms of severe preeclampsia, as they indicate neuromuscular and hepatic complications. Severe preeclampsia can cause hyperreflexia, which is an exaggerated reflex response that can be elicited by dorsiflexing the ankle and observing rhythmic jerking of the foot. It can also cause liver damage, which can manifest as epigastric pain or right upper quadrant pain.
Choice D reason: Decreased urinary output and irritability are signs and symptoms of severe preeclampsia, as they indicate renal and central nervous system complications. Severe preeclampsia can cause oliguria, which is a reduced urine output of less than 500 mL in 24 hours. It can also cause increased intracranial pressure, which can affect the mood and behavior and cause irritability, anxiety, or confusion.
Choice E reason: Transient headache and +1 proteinuria are not signs and symptoms of severe preeclampsia, but rather of mild preeclampsia, which is a less severe form of the condition. Mild preeclampsia is characterized by blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg or higher, proteinuria of 1+ or higher, and mild edema. It does not cause severe complications or organ damage, but it can progress to severe preeclampsia if not treated.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Progesterone is the hormone that stimulates the development of the alveoli and lobules of the mammary glands during pregnancy. It prepares the breasts for lactation by increasing the number and size of the milk-producing cells.
Choice B reason: Testosterone is the main male sex hormone that is responsible for the development of male reproductive organs and secondary sex characteristics. It has no direct role in the maturation of mammary gland tissue.
Choice C reason: Prolactin is the hormone that initiates and maintains milk production after childbirth. It is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland in response to suckling or nipple stimulation. It does not affect the maturation of mammary gland tissue.
Choice D reason: Estrogen is the hormone that stimulates the growth of the duct system of the mammary glands during puberty and pregnancy. It also promotes the development of female reproductive organs and secondary sex characteristics. It does not affect the maturation of mammary gland tissue.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Women without pain and who do not want to become pregnant need no treatment, as endometriosis is a benign condition that does not affect the general health or well-being of the woman. The nurse should explain to the client that endometriosis is a chronic condition that causes the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, and that it can cause symptoms such as pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and infertility. However, if the woman is asymptomatic and has no desire for pregnancy, she can choose to monitor the condition without any intervention.
Choice B reason: Surgical intervention often is needed for severe or acute symptoms, as endometriosis can cause complications such as adhesions, cysts, inflammation, or obstruction of the pelvic organs. The nurse should inform the client that surgery can be performed to remove or destroy the endometrial implants, or to perform a hysterectomy or oophorectomy in severe cases. The nurse should also discuss the benefits and risks of surgery, and the possibility of recurrence or persistence of symptoms.
Choice C reason: Side effects from the steroid danazol include masculinizing traits, as danazol is a synthetic androgen that suppresses the ovarian function and reduces the production of estrogen and progesterone. The nurse should warn the client that danazol can cause adverse effects such as acne, hirsutism, weight gain, voice changes, decreased breast size, and menstrual irregularities. The nurse should also advise the client to use a non-hormonal contraceptive method while taking danazol, as it can harm the fetus if pregnancy occurs.
Choice D reason: Bone loss from hypoestrogenism is not irreversible, as it can be prevented or treated with calcium and vitamin D supplements, bisphosphonates, or hormone replacement therapy. The nurse should educate the client that hypoestrogenism is a condition where the estrogen levels are abnormally low, and that it can occur as a result of some medications or surgical procedures for endometriosis. The nurse should also explain that hypoestrogenism can increase the risk of osteoporosis, which is a condition where the bones become weak and brittle.
Choice E reason: Women with mild pain who may want a future pregnancy may take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as NSAIDs can reduce the inflammation and pain caused by endometriosis. The nurse should recommend the client to take NSAIDs as needed, and to follow the dosage and instructions on the label. The nurse should also inform the client that NSAIDs are not effective in treating the underlying cause of endometriosis, and that they may have side effects such as gastrointestinal irritation, bleeding, or ulcers.
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