A client who is 37 weeks gestation comes to the women's health clinic reporting an excruciating headache.
On examination, the nurse determines the client has an elevated blood pressure.
Which action should the nurse implement next?
Collect a urine sample to screen for protein.
Ask about a history of delivering large babies.
Examine the client for pedal edema.
Establish the frequency of headaches.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Collecting a urine sample to screen for protein is essential as proteinuria is a key indicator of preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure and potential organ damage during pregnancy. Early detection is vital to manage the condition and prevent complications.
Choice B rationale
Asking about a history of delivering large babies (macrosomia) is not immediately relevant to the current symptoms of headache and elevated blood pressure, which are more indicative of hypertensive disorders rather than previous birth weights.
Choice C rationale
Examining the client for pedal edema is important but not the immediate priority. While edema can be associated with preeclampsia, the presence of proteinuria and elevated blood pressure are more critical indicators that need to be addressed first.
Choice D rationale
Establishing the frequency of headaches is useful information but not the immediate priority. The combination of an excruciating headache and elevated blood pressure necessitates a more urgent assessment for preeclampsia, starting with a urine sample for protein.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Collecting a urine sample to screen for protein is essential as proteinuria is a key indicator of preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure and potential organ damage during pregnancy. Early detection is vital to manage the condition and prevent complications.
Choice B rationale
Asking about a history of delivering large babies (macrosomia) is not immediately relevant to the current symptoms of headache and elevated blood pressure, which are more indicative of hypertensive disorders rather than previous birth weights.
Choice C rationale
Examining the client for pedal edema is important but not the immediate priority. While edema can be associated with preeclampsia, the presence of proteinuria and elevated blood pressure are more critical indicators that need to be addressed first.
Choice D rationale
Establishing the frequency of headaches is useful information but not the immediate priority. The combination of an excruciating headache and elevated blood pressure necessitates a more urgent assessment for preeclampsia, starting with a urine sample for protein.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Placing the client in Trendelenburg position is the first action as it helps to relieve pressure off the umbilical cord by using gravity to shift the fetus away from the pelvis. This position helps to prevent cord compression and maintain blood flow to the fetus.
Choice B rationale
Notifying the operating room team is important but should be done after immediately addressing the umbilical cord prolapse to prevent fetal hypoxia. Initial physical intervention takes priority.
Choice C rationale
Administering oxygen via face mask is beneficial for the mother and fetus but is not the immediate first action. Positioning the client to relieve pressure off the umbilical cord is more urgent.
Choice D rationale
Administering a fluid bolus of 500 mL can help maintain maternal blood pressure, but it is not the first action. The priority is to reposition the client to prevent cord compression.
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