What is a priority nursing intervention for a woman with severe preeclampsia who is receiving hydralazine IV.
Assess for orthostatic hypotension
Monitor fetal heart rate continuously
Encourage oral fluid intake
Administer oxygen via nasal cannula
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is choice B. Monitor fetal heart rate continuously. This is because hydralazine is a vasodilator that lowers blood pressure and may cause tachycardia. Tachycardia can affect the fetal heart rate and oxygenation, so continuous monitoring is essential to detect any signs of fetal distress.
Choice A is wrong because hydralazine does not cause orthostatic hypotension, but rather a reflex increase in heart rate and cardiac output.
Orthostatic hypotension is more likely to occur with other antihypertensive drugs such as alpha-blockers or diuretics.
Choice C is wrong because encouraging oral fluid intake may worsen the fluid retention and edema that are common in preeclampsia. Fluid intake should be restricted to avoid pulmonary edema and cerebral edema.
Choice D is wrong because administering oxygen via nasal cannula is not a priority intervention for a woman with severe preeclampsia who is receiving hydralazine IV. Oxygen therapy may be indicated if the woman develops signs of hypoxia, such as dyspnea, cyanosis, or low oxygen saturation. However, oxygen therapy should be used with caution as it may increase oxidative stress and placental vasoconstriction.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E"]
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C. Choice C is wrong because breastfeeding is not contraindicated for women with gestational hypertension.Breastfeeding has many benefits for both the mother and the baby, and it does not affect blood pressure.
Choice A is correct because blood pressure medication should be continued as prescribed until the next check-up.Stopping medication abruptly can cause a rebound increase in blood pressure and increase the risk of complications.
Choice B is correct because headache, blurred vision, or abdominal pain are signs of severe preeclampsia, a serious complication of gestational hypertension that can affect the brain, liver, and kidneys.These symptoms should be reported to the provider immediately.
Choice D is correct because limiting salt intake and drinking plenty of fluids can help lower blood pressure and prevent fluid retention.
Salt can cause the body to hold on to excess water, which increases blood volume and blood pressure.Fluids can help flush out excess salt and keep the body hydrated.
Choice E is correct because weighing oneself daily and reporting any sudden weight gain to the provider can help monitor fluid balance and detect signs of preeclampsia.A weight gain of more than 2 pounds in a week or 5 pounds in a month may indicate fluid accumulation and increased blood pressure.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D) Level of consciousness and reflexes.This is because magnesium sulfate can cause toxicity and affect the central nervous system, leading to decreased level of consciousness and loss of reflexes.These are signs that the dose of magnesium sulfate should be reduced or stopped.
The nurse should prioritize assessing these parameters to prevent seizures and avoid magnesium toxicity.
Choice A) Respiratory rate and depth is wrong because magnesium sulfate can also cause respiratory depression, but this is a less common and less sensitive indicator of toxicity than level of consciousness and reflexes.
Choice B) Urine output and color is wrong because magnesium sulfate can also cause renal impairment, but this is not directly related to preventing seizures.However, urine output should be monitored to ensure adequate hydration and renal function.
Choice C) Blood pressure and heart rate is wrong because magnesium sulfate can also cause hypotension and bradycardia, but these are not the primary goals of therapy.Blood pressure and heart rate should be monitored to assess the severity of preeclampsia and the response to antihypertensive medications.
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