A client at 32 weeks gestation visits the women’s health clinic and reports feeling nauseous and vomiting. Upon examination, the nurse notes that the client’s blood pressure is elevated.
What should the nurse do next?
Inspect the client’s face for edema.
Inquire about a history of cluster headaches.
Determine the frequency of headaches.
Monitor and time the client’s contractions.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
A client at 32 weeks gestation reporting nausea, vomiting, and elevated blood pressure could be showing signs of a condition called gestational hypertension or preeclampsia. This condition can affect the health of both the mother and the baby, depending on how severe the issue is. Inspecting the client’s face for edema is a relevant next step because swelling in the face, hands, or fingers is a common symptom of preeclampsia.
Choice B rationale
While headaches can be a symptom of preeclampsia, asking about a history of cluster headaches may not be the most immediate concern in this situation. Cluster headaches are a specific type of headache that is not directly related to pregnancy or preeclampsia.
Choice C rationale
Determining the frequency of headaches could be useful in assessing the client’s overall health, but it may not be the most immediate concern when the client is showing potential signs of preeclampsia.
Choice D rationale
Monitoring and timing the client’s contractions would be more relevant if the client was in labor or showing signs of preterm labor. In this case, the client’s symptoms are more indicative of a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While remaining on clear liquids until the vomiting subsides may seem like a reasonable approach, it may not be the best course of action for a pregnant woman who has been vomiting for 24 hours. This is because prolonged vomiting can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which can be harmful to both the mother and the fetus.
Choice B rationale
Taking nothing by mouth until there is no more nausea is not advisable in this situation. Nausea can persist even after vomiting has stopped, and it’s important for the woman to stay hydrated and nourished.
Choice C rationale
The best course of action in this situation is for the woman to come to the clinic to be seen by a healthcare provider. This is because prolonged vomiting can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which can be harmful to both the mother and the fetus. In addition, the healthcare provider can assess the woman’s condition and provide appropriate treatment.
Choice D rationale
Making an appointment at the clinic if a fever occurs is not the best advice in this situation. While it’s important to seek medical attention if a fever develops, the woman should not wait for this to happen before seeking help. Prolonged vomiting can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which can be harmful to both the mother and the fetus, and should be addressed promptly.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While it’s true that phytonadione, also known as vitamin K, plays a role in the immune system, this is not the primary reason it is given to newborns. Therefore, this statement does not show an understanding of why the medication is being given.
Choice B rationale
Phytonadione does not aid an immature liver. It is necessary for the synthesis of certain proteins required for blood clotting. However, it does not directly aid the liver’s function.
Choice C rationale
This is the correct statement. Phytonadione is given to newborns to prevent hemorrhagic disorders, specifically vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB). Newborns are at risk for VKDB because their gut does not yet have the bacteria necessary to produce vitamin K5.
Choice D rationale
While it’s true that vitamin K is obtained from dietary intake, newborns do not receive phytonadione to compensate for insufficient dietary intake. They receive it to prevent VKDB, a bleeding disorder caused by vitamin K deficiency.
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