The nurse is reviewing the findings.

For each finding, click to specify if the finding is consistent with preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome. Each finding may support more than one disease process.

• Urine protein: The presence of 3+ proteinuria is a significant finding suggestive of preeclampsia. Protein in the urine indicates renal involvement due to endothelial dysfunction, which is a hallmark complication in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and needs immediate attention.
• Respiratory rate: A respiratory rate of 16/min falls within the normal adult range of 12 to 20 breaths per minute. There is no evidence of respiratory distress, tachypnea, or bradypnea, so this finding does not suggest a prenatal complication.
• Gravida/parity: Although the client has a history of one preterm birth, gravida and parity alone are not indicators of a current prenatal complication. It is important background information but does not point directly to an acute complication at this time.
• Urine ketones: The absence of ketones in the urine is a normal finding. If ketones were present, it could suggest dehydration, starvation, or uncontrolled diabetes, but since they are negative, ketones are not a concern for prenatal complication here.
• Headache: A severe headache unrelieved by acetaminophen in a pregnant woman can signal worsening hypertension or preeclampsia. Persistent headaches are a concerning symptom that warrants immediate evaluation and management to prevent maternal and fetal harm.
• Fetal activity: Decreased fetal movement is a worrisome sign of possible fetal compromise, such as hypoxia or placental insufficiency. Reduced movements require further fetal assessment and monitoring to ensure fetal well-being.
• Blood pressure: A blood pressure reading of 162/112 mm Hg is severely elevated and meets the diagnostic criteria for severe preeclampsia. Uncontrolled hypertension during pregnancy places both the mother and fetus at significant risk for serious complications.

A. A client who developed a pressure ulcer on the sacrum: The development of a pressure ulcer during hospitalization is considered a preventable adverse event and requires an incident report. It reflects a potential lapse in standard care practices related to skin integrity and client repositioning.

B. A client who refused to take a prescribed stool softener: Clients have the right to refuse medications. This occurrence should be documented in the medical record, but it does not require an incident report since it is an exercise of client autonomy.

C. A client who reported feeling dizzy while ambulating: Feeling dizzy during ambulation should be documented and addressed with safety measures, but if no fall or injury occurred, it typically does not necessitate a formal incident report.

D. A client who received medication 1 hr after it was due: A slight delay in medication administration may need to be documented depending on the medication's importance, but a 1-hour delay, unless involving critical medication like insulin or anticoagulants, usually does not require a formal incident report.