The prenatal clinic nurse is monitoring women for preeclampsia.
If all four women were in the clinic at the same time, which one should the nurse see first?

A dipstick value of 3+ for protein in her urine.

Pitting pedal edema at the end of the day.

Blood pressure increase to 138/86 mm Hg.

Weight gain of 0.5 kg during the past 2 weeks.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale

A dipstick value of 3+ for protein in the urine is a significant indicator of proteinuria, a key diagnostic criterion for preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is characterized by new-onset hypertension and proteinuria or other signs of end-organ damage in a previously normotensive pregnant woman. A 3+ protein level suggests substantial protein spillage into the urine, necessitating immediate attention to assess the severity of preeclampsia and prevent potential complications for both the mother and the fetus. Normal urine protein is typically negative to trace amounts.

Choice B rationale

Pitting pedal edema at the end of the day can be a common finding in pregnancy due to increased blood volume and pressure on the veins in the legs. While edema can be associated with preeclampsia, it is not a primary diagnostic criterion and can occur in normal pregnancies. Therefore, isolated pedal edema without other signs of preeclampsia is less concerning than significant proteinuria.

Choice C rationale

A blood pressure reading of 138/86 mm Hg is mildly elevated and falls within the range for stage 1 hypertension. While hypertension is a diagnostic criterion for preeclampsia, this isolated reading without a significant increase from baseline or other preeclampsia symptoms may not be the most urgent concern compared to significant proteinuria. Preeclampsia diagnosis requires a blood pressure of ≥140 mm Hg systolic or ≥90 mm Hg diastolic on two occasions at least 4 hours apart after 20 weeks of gestation in a previously normotensive woman.

Choice D rationale

A weight gain of 0.5 kg (approximately 1.1 pounds) over two weeks is within the expected range for weight gain during pregnancy. While rapid or excessive weight gain can be a sign of fluid retention associated with preeclampsia, a modest gain of 0.5 kg over two weeks is not a primary indicator of the condition and is less concerning than significant proteinuria.

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Correct Answer is []

Explanation

Rationale for Correct Condition

Preeclampsia is characterized by hypertension (≥140/90 mm Hg) and proteinuria (≥300 mg/24 hr) or signs of systemic involvement such as headache and edema. The client’s elevated BP, significant proteinuria, headache, hyperreflexia, and pitting edema strongly indicate preeclampsia. The absence of seizures rules out eclampsia, and the gestational age excludes chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia.

Rationale for Correct Actions

Magnesium sulfate prevents seizures by stabilizing neuronal excitability and reducing cerebral vasospasm. It also lowers BP by promoting vascular relaxation. External fetal monitoring detects fetal distress from utero-placental insufficiency caused by preeclampsia-related hypertension and endothelial dysfunction.

Rationale for Correct Parameters

Blood pressure reflects disease progression and response to antihypertensives. Severe hypertension increases the risk of cerebral hemorrhage and placental abruption. Deep tendon reflexes indicate neurological impairment. Hyperreflexia signals worsening preeclampsia, while absent reflexes may indicate magnesium toxicity.

Rationale for Incorrect Conditions

Gestational hypertension lacks proteinuria and systemic symptoms. Chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia requires a pre-existing hypertensive diagnosis. Eclampsia involves seizures, which the client has not reported.

Rationale for Incorrect Actions

Ampicillin is not indicated without infection. Rh immune globulin is unnecessary without Rh incompatibility. Anticoagulants are not first-line for preeclampsia.

Rationale for Incorrect Parameters

Temperature is not directly related to preeclampsia. Petechiae are signs of coagulopathy, not primary indicators. Pruritus is irrelevant unless liver dysfunction is suspected.

Take-Home Points

Preeclampsia involves multisystem dysfunction with endothelial damage.
Magnesium sulfate prevents seizures but must be monitored for toxicity.
Differentiation from gestational hypertension is crucial for management.
Fetal monitoring is key to detecting early signs of compromise.

A. I will avoid sexual intercourse until the bleeding has stopped, and for two weeks following the last evidence of bleeding. B. I will continue with my normal life after discharge. C. I will count the number of perineal pads used on a daily basis and note the amount and color of blood on the pad. D. I will watch for the evidence of the passage of tissue.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Avoiding sexual intercourse is recommended in the presence of threatened abortion to prevent further uterine irritation and potential disruption of the pregnancy. Pelvic rest helps to minimize the risk of increased bleeding or complications.

Choice B rationale

Continuing with normal life after discharge is an inappropriate statement. With a threatened abortion, the client needs to understand the importance of rest and avoiding strenuous activities that could potentially exacerbate bleeding or lead to further complications. Activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure or cause physical strain should be limited.

Choice C rationale

Counting perineal pads and noting the amount and color of blood is an important instruction for monitoring the extent of bleeding. This information helps the healthcare provider assess the progression or resolution of the threatened abortion and identify any signs of increased bleeding or passage of tissue.

Choice D rationale

Watching for the evidence of the passage of tissue is crucial as it could indicate a progressing miscarriage. The client should be instructed on how to collect any passed tissue for examination by the healthcare provider to confirm the outcome of the pregnancy. .

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The prenatal clinic nurse is monitoring women for preeclampsia.If all four women were in the clinic at the same time, which one should the nurse see first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is []

Explanation

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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The prenatal clinic nurse is monitoring women for preeclampsia.
If all four women were in the clinic at the same time, which one should the nurse see first?