A nurse is administering nifedipine to a client with gestational hypertension as prescribed by the provider.

Which of the following actions would the nurse take to ensure safe administration of this medication?

The correct answer is choice D) Swelling of the face, hands or feet.This is one of the signs and symptoms of gestational hypertension, which is high blood pressure that begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy and goes away after delivery.Gestational hypertension can lead to complications for both the mother and the baby, such as preeclampsia, which is a severe condition that causes protein in the urine and other problems.

Choice A) Severe headache is wrong because it is not a specific sign of gestational hypertension, but it can be a symptom of preeclampsia, which is a possible complication of gestational hypertension.

Choice B) Chest pain is wrong because it is not a common sign of gestational hypertension, but it can be a sign of a serious heart problem or a pulmonary embolism, which is a blood clot in the lungs.Chest pain during pregnancy should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible.

Choice C) Nausea or vomiting is wrong because it is not a typical sign of gestational hypertension, but it can be a symptom of preeclampsia or other conditions such as hyperemesis gravidarum, which is severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that can lead to dehydration and weight loss.

Normal blood pressure ranges for pregnant women are below 120/80 mm Hg.Gestational hypertension is diagnosed when the blood pressure is greater than or equal to 140/90 mm Hg after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

The correct answer is choice B. Monitor fetal heart rate continuously.This is because hydralazine is a vasodilator that lowers blood pressure and may cause tachycardia.Tachycardia can affect the fetal heart rate and oxygenation, so continuous monitoring is essential to detect any signs of fetal distress.

Choice A is wrong because hydralazine does not cause orthostatic hypotension, but rather a reflex increase in heart rate and cardiac output.

Orthostatic hypotension is more likely to occur with other antihypertensive drugs such as alpha-blockers or diuretics.

Choice C is wrong because encouraging oral fluid intake may worsen the fluid retention and edema that are common in preeclampsia.Fluid intake should be restricted to avoid pulmonary edema and cerebral edema.

Choice D is wrong because administering oxygen via nasal cannula is not a priority intervention for a woman with severe preeclampsia who is receiving hydralazine IV.Oxygen therapy may be indicated if the woman develops signs of hypoxia, such as dyspnea, cyanosis, or low oxygen saturation.However, oxygen therapy should be used with caution as it may increase oxidative stress and placental vasoconstriction.