The prenatal clinic nurse monitored women for preeclampsia. All four women were in the clinic at the same time. Which one should the nurse see first?
Weight gain of 0.5 kg during the past 2 weeks
Pitting pedal edema at the end of the day
Blood pressure increase to 138/86 mm Hg
Dipstick value of 3+ for protein in her urine
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A) Weight gain of 0.5 kg during the past 2 weeks: This is a normal weight gain for a pregnant woman and does not indicate preeclampsia.
Choice B) Pitting pedal edema at the end of the day: This is a common symptom of pregnancy and does not necessarily indicate preeclampsia. It can be relieved by elevating the legs and wearing compression stockings.
Choice C) Blood pressure increase to 138/86 mm Hg: This is a mild elevation of blood pressure and does not meet the criteria for preeclampsia, which is defined as a systolic blood pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher or a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher on two occasions at least four hours apart.
Choice D) Dipstick value of 3+ for protein in her urine: This is a sign of significant proteinuria, which is one of the main features of preeclampsia. Proteinuria is defined as a urinary protein excretion of 300 mg or more in 24 hours or a dipstick reading of 1+ or higher. A dipstick value of 3+ indicates severe proteinuria and requires immediate attention and treatment. This woman has the highest risk of developing complications from preeclampsia, such as eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, placental abruption, or fetal growth restriction . Therefore, she should be seen by the nurse first.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A) Placenta previa is incorrect because this is not a likely complication for a client who has gestational hypertension and reports continuous abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta covers part or all of the cervix, preventing normal delivery. It can cause painless, bright red bleeding in the third trimester, especially after intercourse or a pelvic exam. However, it does not cause abdominal pain, as the bleeding is not associated with uterine contractions or separation. Moreover, it is not related to gestational hypertension, which is a condition that causes high blood pressure during pregnancy. Therefore, this response is irrelevant and inaccurate.
Choice B) Incompetent cervix is incorrect because this is not a possible complication for a client who is at 36 weeks of gestation and has gestational hypertension and reports continuous abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding.
Incompetent cervix is a condition where the cervix is weak and unable to hold the pregnancy, leading to premature dilation and delivery. It can cause painless, watery vaginal discharge or spotting in the second trimester, followed by rupture of membranes and labor. However, it does not cause abdominal pain or heavy bleeding, as the cervix does not tear or detach from the uterus. Moreover, it is not related to gestational hypertension, which is a condition that causes high blood pressure during pregnancy. Therefore, this response is irrelevant and inaccurate.
Choice C) Prolapsed cord is incorrect because this is not a common complication for a client who has gestational hypertension and reports continuous abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. Prolapsed cord is a condition where the umbilical cord slips through the cervix and into the vagina before the baby, compressing the cord and cutting off the blood supply and oxygen to the baby. It can cause variable or prolonged fetal heart rate decelerations, visible or palpable cord in the vagina, or fetal distress. However, it does not cause abdominal pain or bleeding, as the cord does not rupture or bleed. Moreover, it is not related to gestational hypertension, which is a condition that causes high blood pressure during pregnancy. Therefore, this response is irrelevant and inaccurate.
Choice D) Abruptio placentae is correct because this is a probable complication for a client who has gestational hypertension and reports continuous abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. Abruptio placentae is a condition where the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery, causing hemorrhage and hypoxia for the mother and the baby. It can cause severe, constant abdominal pain, dark red bleeding, uterine tenderness or rigidity, fetal distress or demise, or maternal shock or coagulopathy. It can be triggered by gestational hypertension, which is a condition that causes high blood pressure during pregnancy and increases the risk of placental abruption by 25%. Therefore, this response is relevant and accurate.

Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Dressing the infant in only a T-shirt and diaper is not recommended during phototherapy because it reduces the amount of skin exposed to the light, which is necessary for effective treatment. The infant should be minimally clothed to maximize light exposure.
B. Restricting parental and oral fluids is incorrect. Adequate hydration is crucial during phototherapy to prevent dehydration, as the treatment can increase fluid loss through the skin.
C. Keeping the infant supine at all times is not necessary. The infant should be repositioned frequently to ensure all areas of the skin are exposed to the phototherapy light, which helps in reducing bilirubin levels more effectively.
D. Keeping the infant's eyes covered under the light is essential to protect the eyes from potential damage caused by the intense phototherapy light. This is a standard practice to prevent retinal damage and other eye complications.
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