A client with severe preeclampsia is admitted to the hospital.
Which of the following signs would indicate that she is at risk for developing eclampsia?
Headache and blurred vision
Nausea and vomiting
Edema and weight gain
Proteinuria and oliguria
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice A. Headache and blurred vision. These are signs of cerebral edema or swelling of the brain, which can lead to eclampsia, a life-threatening complication of preeclampsia that causes seizures.
Choice B is wrong because nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of pregnancy and do not indicate a risk for eclampsia.
Choice C is wrong because edema and weight gain are also common in pregnancy and may be due to fluid retention or increased blood volume.
They are not specific signs of preeclampsia or eclampsia.
Choice D is wrong because proteinuria and oliguria are signs of kidney damage due to preeclampsia, but they do not directly increase the risk of eclampsia. However, they may indicate severe preeclampsia that requires close monitoring and treatment.
Normal ranges for blood pressure, proteinuria, platelet count, and liver enzymes are as follows:
• Blood pressure: less than 140/90 mm Hg
• Proteinuria: less than 300 mg per 24 hours
• Platelet count: 150,000 to 400,000 per microliter
• Liver enzymes: AST less than 40 U/L, ALT less than 45 U/L
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. To prevent seizures.Magnesium sulfate is a medication that is used to prevent seizures in women with gestational hypertension or preeclampsia.
Seizures can be life-threatening for both the mother and the baby.Magnesium sulfate also has a mild antihypertensive effect, but it is not the main purpose of administering this medication.
Choice A is wrong because magnesium sulfate does not lower blood pressure significantly.Other antihypertensive drugs, such as hydralazine, are used to control blood pressure in women with gestational hypertension or preeclampsia.
Choice C is wrong because magnesium sulfate does not induce labor.It may actually delay labor by relaxing the uterine muscles.Other medications, such as oxytocin, are used to induce labor when needed.
Choice D is wrong because magnesium sulfate does not increase urine output.It may actually decrease urine output by causing fluid retention and renal impairment.Urine output should be monitored closely in women receiving magnesium sulfate to detect signs of toxicity.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D. All of the above.
All of these factors would indicate that the client is ready for delivery because they pose a risk to the mother or the fetus or both.
Choice A is wrong because blood pressure that is uncontrollable despite medication can lead to complications such as preeclampsia, eclampsia, or HELLP syndrome.
Choice B is wrong because fetal distress detected by nonstress test or biophysical profile can indicate hypoxia, acidosis, or cord compression.
Choice C is wrong because term is reached (37 weeks or more) does not necessarily mean that the client is ready for delivery.Other factors such as cervical dilation, effacement, and station also need to be considered.
Normal ranges for blood pressure are 120/80 mmHg or lower for systolic and 80/60 mmHg or lower for diastolic.Normal ranges for nonstress test are two or more fetal heart rate accelerations of at least 15 beats per minute above baseline lasting at least 15 seconds in a 20-minute period.Normal ranges for biophysical profile are a score of 8 to 10 out of 10 based on five parameters: fetal breathing movements, fetal movements, fetal tone, amniotic fluid volume, and nonstress test.
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