A client at 35 weeks gestation complains of pain whenever the baby moves.
The nurse notes the client’s temperature to be 101.20 F (38.4° C), with severe abdominal or uterine tenderness on palpation.
What condition do these findings suggest?
Abruptio placenta.
Chorioamnionitis.
Round ligament strain.
Viral infection.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Abruptio placenta is a condition where the placenta prematurely separates from the uterus. It typically presents with symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, back pain, and frequent contractions. However, the symptoms described by the client do not align with this condition.
Choice B rationale
Chorioamnionitis is an infection of the membranes surrounding the fetus and is associated with prolonged labor. Symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, and fetal tachycardia. The client’s symptoms of pain when the baby moves, a high temperature, and severe abdominal or uterine tenderness on palpation align with this condition.
Choice C rationale
Round ligament strain is a common cause of pain during pregnancy, particularly in the second trimester. It is caused by the stretching of the round ligaments that support the uterus.
However, it does not cause fever or severe abdominal tenderness.
Choice D rationale
While a viral infection could potentially cause a fever, it would not typically cause severe abdominal or uterine tenderness specifically when the baby moves.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While measuring vital signs is important, it is not the most appropriate action based on the given symptoms.
Choice B rationale
Obtaining human chorionic gonadotropin levels is the most appropriate action. The symptoms described by the client could indicate a possible miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, and hCG levels can help confirm this.
Choice C rationale
Collecting a urine sample for urinalysis is not the most appropriate action based on the given symptoms.
Choice D rationale
Recommending bed rest is not the most appropriate action based on the given symptoms.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While notifying the healthcare provider of the assessment findings is important, it would not be the first action to take. The nurse should first gather more information about the client’s condition.
Choice B rationale
Obtaining a STAT hemoglobin and hematocrit would not be the first action to take. These tests could provide information about the client’s blood volume and potential for anemia, but they would not directly address the client’s complaint of a severe headache.
Choice C rationale
Determining if the client received anesthesia during delivery is the correct first action. A severe headache in the postpartum period can be a sign of a post-dural puncture headache, which can occur as a complication of spinal or epidural anesthesia.
Choice D rationale
Assigning a practical nurse (PN) to reassess the client’s vital signs would not be the first action to take. While ongoing monitoring of the client’s vital signs is important, the nurse should first investigate the potential cause of the client’s severe headache.
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