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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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A 10% to 15% increase in blood volume during pregnancy is too low compared to the average physiological changes that occur.
Choice B rationale
A 20% to 30% increase in blood volume is also below the expected range of increase during pregnancy.
Choice C rationale
Blood volume typically increases by 40% to 50% during pregnancy. This significant increase supports the demands of the growing fetus and placenta and prepares the mother's body for the blood loss that occurs during delivery.
Choice D rationale
A 65% to 75% increase is an overestimate. Such an extensive increase would be abnormal and is not typical in healthy pregnancies.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A maternal blood pressure of 128/88 mm Hg is within normal limits for a pregnant woman. Regular monitoring is necessary, but no immediate follow-up is required unless symptoms of preeclampsia appear.
Choice B rationale
A fetal heart rate baseline of 115 bpm is within the normal range (110-160 bpm). This does not require immediate follow-up and is a reassuring sign of fetal well-being.
Choice C rationale
A maternal heart rate of 128 bpm is elevated (tachycardia) and may indicate distress, infection, dehydration, or other underlying conditions. This requires immediate follow-up to identify and address the cause.
Choice D rationale
A maternal respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute is within the normal range (12-20 breaths per minute) and does not require immediate follow-up.
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