A nurse in a provider's office is caring for a 32-year-old female client who is pregnant.
Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse report to the provider? (Select all that apply.)
Weight gain
Visual disturbances
Blood pressure
Respiratory rate
Deep tendon reflexes
Fetal heart rate
Correct Answer : A,B,C,E
Choice A rationale:
Rapid weight gain during pregnancy, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, can be a sign of preeclampsia. This condition is characterized by high blood pressure and often occurs after 20 weeks of gestation. Reporting rapid weight gain is important for early detection and management.
Choice B rationale:
Visual disturbances, such as blurred vision, can be a warning sign of preeclampsia. It indicates potential neurological involvement and requires immediate evaluation to prevent complications for both the mother and the fetus.
Choice C rationale:
Elevated blood pressure readings are a critical sign of preeclampsia, a condition that can lead to serious health complications for both the mother and the baby if left untreated. Reporting elevated blood pressure is essential for early intervention and management.
Choice D rationale:
While the respiratory rate is slightly elevated, it is not as critical an indicator of preeclampsia as the other findings. In this case, the focus should be on more concerning symptoms, such as blood pressure and visual disturbances.
Choice E rationale:
Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes (3+) are a clinical sign of preeclampsia. The absence of clonus is a reassuring sign, but the presence of hyperactive reflexes warrants further evaluation and monitoring.
Choice F rationale:
The fetal heart rate (FHT) of 148/min is within the normal range (110-160/min) and does not indicate an immediate concern that needs to be reported. The nurse should focus on the maternal symptoms that suggest preeclampsia.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","F"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A postpartum temperature of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher may indicate an infection. Infections can occur after delivery, particularly if there was a manual extraction of the placenta, as in this case. Close monitoring and further assessment are necessary to ensure the client does not develop sepsis or other complications.
Choice B rationale:
Fundal tone should be firm and well-contracted to prevent excessive bleeding postpartum. A boggy, midline fundus suggests that the uterus is not contracting effectively, increasing the risk for postpartum hemorrhage. This requires immediate attention and intervention to ensure adequate uterine tone and control bleeding.
Choice C rationale:
Lochia should be monitored for quantity, color, and the presence of clots. Heavy lochia with small clots indicates that the client may be experiencing postpartum hemorrhage, which is a significant concern. This can be related to uterine atony, retained placental fragments, or coagulopathies and warrants prompt evaluation and intervention.
Choice D rationale:
A respiratory rate of 17/min is within the normal adult range (12-20/min) and does not require follow-up. There are no signs of respiratory distress or abnormalities in this case, indicating that the client's respiratory status is stable and does not necessitate further evaluation.
Choice E rationale:
A white blood cell count of 12,000/mm³ is within the expected range for postpartum women, where normal values can be elevated due to physiological stress and inflammation from delivery. This level does not indicate infection or pathology and does not require follow-up in the context provided.
Choice F rationale:
Blood pressure of 144/92 mmHg is elevated and concerning, particularly in a postpartum client with a history of chronic hypertension and gestational diabetes. This could signal postpartum preeclampsia or other hypertensive disorders, requiring careful monitoring and management to prevent complications like seizures, stroke, or organ damage.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid and is not used for treating ectopic pregnancy.
Choice B rationale
Clomid (clomiphene citrate) is used to stimulate ovulation, not to treat ectopic pregnancy.
Choice C rationale
Methotrexate is a chemotherapeutic agent that effectively stops the growth of ectopic pregnancy cells, allowing the pregnancy tissue to be reabsorbed by the body.
Choice D rationale
Progesterone supports pregnancy and is not used to treat ectopic pregnancy.
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