A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a 19-year-old female client who is at 18 weeks of gestation. The client presents with reports of nausea and vomiting for the past several weeks, which has worsened in severity. The client states that she has been unable to retain even clear fluids for the past 48 hours. The client reports no pain but has a history of migraines and asthma.
Exhibits
The Correct Answer is []
• Hyperemesis gravidarum: The client’s symptoms such as severe nausea and vomiting, inability to retain clear fluids, and positive ketones in urinalysis suggest that she is most likely experiencing hyperemesis gravidarum, a pregnancy complication characterized by severe nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and electrolyte disturbance.
• Actions to take: The nurse should administer the prescribed antiemetic medication to help control the client’s nausea and vomiting. The nurse should also provide IV fluid replacement to correct the client’s dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
• Parameters to monitor: The nurse should monitor the client’s urine output to assess her hydration status. The nurse should also monitor the client’s electrolyte levels, as electrolyte imbalances can occur with severe vomiting and dehydration. If the client’s condition does not improve or worsens, the nurse should notify the healthcare provider immediately.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is []
Explanation
• Endometritis: The client’s symptoms such as general malaise, chills, decreased appetite, elevated temperature, boggy and tender uterus, and foul-smelling lochia suggest that she is most likely experiencing endometritis, an inflammation of the inner lining of the uterus, typically due to infection.
• Actions to take: The nurse should administer the prescribed IV antibiotics to treat the infection. The nurse should also encourage fluid intake to help flush out the bacteria from the body and prevent dehydration.
• Parameters to monitor: The nurse should monitor the client’s temperature to assess for fever, which can be a sign of infection. The nurse should also monitor the amount and odor of the client’s lochia, as changes can indicate worsening infection. If the client’s condition does not improve or worsens, the nurse should notify the healthcare provider immediately.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A urinary output of 300 ml in 8 hours is within the normal range for a postpartum patient. The average urinary output is about 30 ml/hour.
Choice B rationale
Lochia rubra is a normal finding in the immediate postpartum period. It is the initial vaginal discharge after childbirth, which is red because it contains a large amount of blood. Changing perineal pads every 3 hours is considered normal.
Choice C rationale
A patient who is receiving magnesium sulfate and has absent deep tendon reflexes is experiencing magnesium toxicity. This is a serious condition that can lead to respiratory depression and cardiac arrest. The healthcare provider should be notified immediately.
Choice D rationale
Abdominal cramping during breastfeeding is a normal finding. During breastfeeding, the hormone oxytocin is released which can cause uterine contractions and lead to cramping.
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