What is the only known cure for preeclampsia?
Administration of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) every day of the pregnancy
Delivery of the fetus
Antihypertensive medications
Magnesium sulfate
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A: This is incorrect because acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), also known as aspirin, is not a cure for preeclampsia, but a preventive measure. ASA may reduce the risk of preeclampsia in some high-risk women by inhibiting platelet aggregation and improving blood flow to the placenta. However, ASA is not recommended for all pregnant women, as it may have adverse effects on the mother and the fetus, such as bleeding, premature closure of the ductus arteriosus, or fetal growth restriction.
Choice B: This is the correct answer because delivery of the fetus is the only definitive treatment for preeclampsia, as it eliminates the source of the placental factors that cause the condition. Preeclampsia is a multisystem disorder characterized by hypertension, proteinuria, and edema that occurs after 20 weeks of gestation. It is caused by abnormal placentation and endothelial dysfunction that lead to vasoconstriction, inflammation, and coagulation.
Delivery of the fetus and the placenta resolves these abnormalities and restores normal maternal physiology.
Choice C: This is incorrect because antihypertensive medications are not a cure for preeclampsia, but a symptomatic management. Antihypertensive medications may lower the blood pressure and reduce the risk of maternal complications, such as stroke, seizure, or organ damage. However, antihypertensive medications do not address the underlying cause of preeclampsia and do not improve fetal outcomes. Moreover, some antihypertensive medications are contraindicated in pregnancy due to their teratogenic effects.
Choice D: This is incorrect because magnesium sulfate is not a cure for preeclampsia, but a prophylaxis for eclampsia. Eclampsia is a severe complication of preeclampsia that involves seizures and coma. Magnesium sulfate is an anticonvulsant that prevents or treats eclamptic seizures by stabilizing neuronal membranes and reducing cerebral edema. However, magnesium sulfate does not lower blood pressure or improve renal function in preeclamptic women. It also has side effects such as nausea, flushing, headache, or respiratory depression.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A: This is incorrect because both physiological and nonphysiological jaundice result from breakdown of erythrocytes. Jaundice is caused by the accumulation of bilirubin, a yellow pigment that is produced when red blood cells are destroyed. However, the rate and extent of hemolysis differ between the two types of jaundice.
Choice B: This is incorrect because kernicterus is a rare and serious complication of jaundice, not a usual outcome. Kernicterus occurs when bilirubin levels are very high and the pigment deposits in the brain, causing neurological damage. It can affect both physiological and nonphysiological jaundice, but it is more likely to occur in nonphysiological jaundice due to higher bilirubin levels and underlying conditions.
Choice C: This is incorrect because both physiological and nonphysiological jaundice begin at the head and progress down the body. This is because bilirubin accumulates in areas with high fat content, such as the skin, eyes, and brain. The distribution of jaundice depends on the level of bilirubin in the blood, not on the type of jaundice.
Choice D: This is the correct answer because nonphysiological jaundice appears in the first 24 hours of life, whereas physiological jaundice appears after the first 24 hours of life. Nonphysiological jaundice is caused by factors that increase hemolysis or impair bilirubin metabolism or excretion, such as blood group incompatibility, infection, liver disease, or enzyme deficiency. Physiological jaundice is caused by normal adaptation processes that occur after birth, such as increased red blood cell turnover, immature liver function, and delayed intestinal flora colonization.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice a) Insert an indwelling urinary catheter is incorrect because this is not a priority action for a client who has a large amount of painless, bright red vaginal bleeding. This type of bleeding is suggestive of placenta previa, which is a condition where the placenta covers part or all of the cervix, preventing normal delivery. Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter can cause trauma to the cervix or the placenta, which can worsen the bleeding and endanger the mother and the fetus. Therefore, this action should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
Choice b) Prepare the abdominal and perineal areas is incorrect because this is not a priority action for a client who has a large amount of painless, bright red vaginal bleeding. This type of bleeding is suggestive of placenta previa, which is a condition where the placenta covers part or all of the cervix, preventing normal delivery. Preparing the abdominal and perineal areas can be done before performing a cesarean section, which is usually the preferred mode of delivery for placenta previa. However, this action should be done after stabilizing the client's condition and obtaining informed consent for surgery.
Choice c) Witness the signature for informed consent for surgery is incorrect because this is not a priority action for a client who has a large amount of painless, bright red vaginal bleeding. This type of bleeding is suggestive of placenta previa, which is a condition where the placenta covers part or all of the cervix, preventing normal delivery.
Witnessing the signature for informed consent for surgery can be done before performing a cesarean section, which is usually the preferred mode of delivery for placenta previa. However, this action should be done after stabilizing the client's condition and explaining the risks and benefits of surgery.
Choice d) Initiate IV access is correct because this is the priority action for a client who has a large amount of painless, bright red vaginal bleeding. This type of bleeding is suggestive of placenta previa, which is a condition where the placenta covers part or all of the cervix, preventing normal delivery. Initiating IV access can help to restore fluid volume, prevent hypovolemic shock, administer medications such as oxytocin or blood products if needed, and prepare for emergency cesarean section if indicated. Therefore, this action should be done as soon as possible to save the life of the mother and the fetus.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today