The nurse is continuing to care for the client.

Nurses' Notes.

Day 1, 0900:. Day 1, 0930:. Client is at 31 weeks of gestation and presents with a severe.

headache unrelieved by acetaminophen.

Client also reports.

urinary frequency and decreased fetal movement.

Client is a G3. P2 with one preterm birth.

Client reports a constant and throbbing headache and rates it. as a 6 on a scale of 0 to 10. Denies visual disturbances.

+3. pitting edema in bilateral lower extremities.

Patellar reflex 4+. without the presence of clonus.

Client reports occasional.

nighttime leg cramps.

Reports three fetal movements within the.

last 30 min.

External fetal monitor applied with a baseline FHR.

140/min with occasional accelerations and moderate variability.

No uterine contractions noted.

Vital Signs.

Day 1, 0900:. Temperature (oral) 36.9° C (98.4° ). Heart rate 72/min.

Respiratory rate 16/min.

BP 162/112 mm Hg. Oxygen saturation 979% on room air.

Day 1, 0930:. Temperature (oral) 37.1° C (98.8° ). Heart rate 84/min.

Respiratory rate 18/min.

BP 166/110 mm Hg. Oxygen saturation 999% on room air.

Color yelow yelow). pH 5.9 (4.6 to 8). Protein 3+ (negative). Specific gravity 1.013 (1.005 to 1.03). Leukocyte esterase negative (negative). Nitrites negative (negative). Ketones negative (negative). Crystals negative (negative). Casts negative (negative). Glucose trace (negative). WBC 5 (0 to 4). WBC casts none (none). RBC 1 (less than or equal to 2). RBC casts none (none). Day 1, 1030:. CBC:. Hemoglobin 18.0 g/dL (12 to 16 g/dL). Hematocrit 35% (37 to 479%). Platelets 98,000/mm³ (150,000 to 400,000/mm³). BUN 19 mg/dL (10 to 20 mg/dL). Creatinine 0.8 mg/dL (0.5 to 1 mg/d). WBC 8,000/mm³ (5,000 to 10,000/mm³). Glucose 85 mg/dL (74 to 106 mg/dL). Liver Enzymes:. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 40 units/L (4 to 36 units/L). Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 42 units/L (0 to 35 units/L). Total bilirubin 1.2 mg/dL (0.3 to 1 mg/dL). The nurse is reviewing the assessment findings.

For each assessment finding, click to specify if the finding is consistent with.

preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome.

Each finding may support more than one.

disease process.

The correct answer is: b. “Tighten your muscles before relaxing them when using muscle relaxation techniques.”

Rationale for Choice B: Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) is a well-established technique used in stress management and relaxation therapy. It involves systematically tensing and then relaxing specific muscle groups throughout the body. By tensing the muscles first, individuals can become more aware of the contrast between tension and relaxation, thereby enhancing the relaxation response. This heightened awareness helps individuals recognize and release muscular tension more effectively, leading to deeper relaxation and stress relief.

Rationale for Choice A: Choice A suggests talking to someone admired as the first step in using mindfulness techniques to relax. However, mindfulness practices typically involve cultivating awareness of the present moment without judgment. While seeking support from others may be beneficial for stress management, it is not a foundational aspect of mindfulness practice. Mindfulness often entails individual introspection and observation of one's thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations.

Rationale for Choice C: Choice C recommends breathing in through the mouth and out through the nose during deep breathing exercises. While there are various breathing techniques utilized in stress management, the typical recommendation for deep breathing exercises is to inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth. Nasal breathing helps regulate the flow of air, optimizes oxygen exchange, and activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and stress reduction.

Rationale for Choice D: Choice D proposes imagining a stimulating situation when practicing guided imagery. However, guided imagery is a relaxation technique that involves creating vivid mental images of calming and tranquil scenes, such as a serene beach or peaceful forest. The purpose of guided imagery is to evoke positive emotions, reduce stress, and induce a state of deep relaxation. Imagining stimulating situations may have the opposite effect, potentially increasing arousal and tension rather than promoting relaxation.

In summary, while all choices may have some relevance to stress management, Choice B is the most appropriate as it aligns with the established technique of Progressive Muscle Relaxation. Choices A, C, and D deviate from widely recognized relaxation methods and are therefore considered incorrect in this context.

Choice A rationale:

Administering a laxative to a client with acute appendicitis is contraindicated. Laxatives can increase bowel motility, which may aggravate the inflamed appendix and lead to rupture. Rupture of the appendix can result in a life-threatening condition known as peritonitis.

Choice B rationale:

Keeping the client on NPO (nothing by mouth) status is the correct choice. NPO status is essential in the management of acute appendicitis. It helps to rest the bowel, prevents stimulation of the appendix, and decreases the risk of rupture. Oral intake, including food and fluids, is usually restricted until the client undergoes surgery to remove the inflamed appendix (appendectomy).

Choice C rationale:

Placing the client's head of bed flat is not the optimal position for a client with acute appendicitis. Elevating the head of the bed slightly (semi-Fowler's position) can help reduce discomfort and minimize pressure on the abdomen. This position is more comfortable for the client and can aid in pain management.

Choice D rationale:

Applying heat to the client's abdomen is not recommended in acute appendicitis. Heat application can increase blood flow to the area, potentially worsening inflammation and exacerbating pain. Cold packs or ice packs are sometimes used to provide comfort, but their application should be done cautiously to avoid skin damage. However, in many cases, healthcare providers prefer to avoid temperature applications to prevent masking symptoms and signs of worsening appendicitis.