When is it most important for the nurse to assess a pregnant client's deep tendon reflexes (DTRs)?
When the client has ankle edema.
If the client has an elevated blood pressure.
During admission to labor and delivery.
Within the first trimester of pregnancy.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice B is correct because assessing the DTRs of a pregnant client with an elevated blood pressure can help detect signs of preeclampsia, a serious complication of pregnancy that can cause seizures, organ damage, and fetal death. Preeclampsia can cause hyperreflexia, which is an exaggerated response of the DTRs.
Choice A is incorrect because ankle edema is not a reliable indicator of preeclampsia and does not require assessing the DTRs. Ankle edema is a common finding in normal pregnancy due to increased blood volume and fluid retention.
Choice C is incorrect because assessing the DTRs during admission to labor and delivery is not as important as assessing them if the client has an elevated blood pressure. Assessing the DTRs during admission to labor and delivery can help monitor the client's neurological status, but it is not a priority action.
Choice D is incorrect because assessing the DTRs within the first trimester of pregnancy is not as important as assessing them if the client has an elevated blood pressure. Assessing the DTRs within the first trimester of pregnancy can help establish a baseline, but it is not a priority action.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Marking an outline of the "olive-shaped" mass in the right epigastric area is not a priority nursing action. The mass is caused by hypertrophy of the pyloric sphincter, which obstructs gastric emptying and causes projectile vomiting. The mass may not be palpable in all cases.
Choice C reason: Monitoring amount of intake and infant's response to feedings is important, but not the highest priority. The infant may have difficulty feeding due to nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Choice D reason: Instructing parents regarding care of the incisional area is a post-operative nursing action, not a pre-operative one. The parents will need to learn how to keep the incision clean and dry, monitor for signs of infection, and administer pain medication as prescribed.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: Moderate amount of foul-smelling lochia. This is the most indicative finding of a postpartum infection, as it suggests that the client has endometritis, which is an inflammation of the uterine lining. Endometritis is a common cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, and requires prompt antibiotic treatment.
Choice B: Blood pressure of 122/74 mm Hg. This is a normal blood pressure for a postpartum client, and does not indicate an infection. The reference range for blood pressure is 90/60 to 140/90 mm Hg.
Choice C: Oral temperature of 100.2°F (37.9°C.. This is a slightly elevated temperature for a postpartum client, but it does not necessarily indicate an infection. The reference range for oral temperature is 97.6 to 99.6°F (36.4 to 37.6°C.. A mild fever may occur in the first 24 hours after delivery due to dehydration or hormonal changes.
Choice D: White blood cell count of 19,000/mm³ (19 x 10⁹/L). This is a high white blood cell count for a postpartum client, but it does not indicate an infection. The reference range for white blood cell count is 5,000 to 10,000/mm³ (5 to 10 x 10⁹/L). A leukocytosis may occur in the first few days after delivery due to stress or tissue injury.
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