A nurse is admitting a client who is at 37 weeks of gestation and has severe gestational hypertension. Which of the following actions should the nurse expect to implement? (Select all that apply.)
Provide a dark, quiet environment.
Evaluate neurologic status every 12 hr.
Assess respiratory status every 8 hr.
Ensure that calcium gluconate is readily available.
Administer magnesium sulfate IV.
Correct Answer : A,D,E
Choice A reason: Providing a dark, quiet environment is an appropriate action for the nurse to implement, because it can help reduce the client's blood pressure and prevent seizures.
Choice B reason: Evaluating neurologic status every 12 hr is not an appropriate action for the nurse to implement, because it is not frequent enough. The nurse should assess the client's neurologic status every 2 to 4 hr, or more often if indicated, to detect signs of cerebral edema or eclampsia.
Choice C reason: Assessing respiratory status every 8 hr is not an appropriate action for the nurse to implement, because it is not frequent enough. The nurse should monitor the client's respiratory status every 1 to 2 hr, or more often if indicated, to detect signs of pulmonary edema or respiratory depression.
Choice D reason: Ensuring that calcium gluconate is readily available is an appropriate action for the nurse to implement, because it is the antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity. The nurse should have calcium gluconate on hand and know how to administer it in case of an emergency.
Choice E reason: Administering magnesium sulfate IV is an appropriate action for the nurse to implement, because it is the drug of choice for preventing and treating seizures in clients with severe gestational hypertension. The nurse should follow the protocol for magnesium sulfate administration and monitor the client's vital signs, urine output, reflexes, and serum magnesium levels.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: AFI stands for amniotic fluid index, which is a measurement of the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus. AFI is an indicator of fetal well-being, as it reflects the fetal urine output and the placental function. A normal AFI is between 5 and 25 cm. A low AFI (< 5 cm) can suggest fetal growth restriction, oligohydramnios, or fetal distress. A high AFI (> 25 cm) can suggest fetal anomalies, polyhydramnios, or maternal diabetes.
Choice B reason: Fetal heart rate is an assessment of the fetal cardiac activity, which is usually monitored by a non-stress test (NST). Fetal heart rate is an indicator of fetal well-being, as it reflects the fetal oxygenation and the autonomic nervous system. A normal fetal heart rate is between 110 and 160 beats per minute, with moderate variability and accelerations. A non-reactive fetal heart rate (< 2 accelerations in 20 minutes) can suggest fetal hypoxia, acidosis, or distress.
Choice C reason: Fetal movement is an assessment of the fetal gross body movements, which are usually counted by the mother or observed by ultrasound. Fetal movement is an indicator of fetal well-being, as it reflects the fetal activity and the central nervous system. A normal fetal movement is at least 3 movements in 30 minutes. A decreased fetal movement (< 3 movements in 2 hours) can suggest fetal sleep, sedation, or distress.
Choice D reason: Fetal tone is an assessment of the fetal muscle tone, which is usually observed by ultrasound. Fetal tone is an indicator of fetal well-being, as it reflects the fetal maturity and the neuromuscular system. A normal fetal tone is at least 1 episode of fetal flexion or extension in 30 minutes. An abnormal fetal tone (absent or hypotonic) can suggest fetal immaturity, anomalies, or distress.
Choice E reason: Placental grade is not an assessment that is included in the fetal biophysical profile (BPP), as it is not a direct measure of fetal well-being, but rather a classification of the placental maturity and calcification. Placental grade is usually evaluated by ultrasound, and it ranges from 0 to 3, with higher grades indicating more calcification and aging. Placental grade can affect the placental function and the fetal growth, but it is not a reliable or consistent indicator of fetal distress.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Contractions occurring every 3 to 5 min are normal and expected in the active phase of the first stage of labor, which lasts from 4 to 8 cm of cervical dilation. The nurse does not need to report this finding to the provider.
Choice B reason: Each contraction lasting longer than 110 seconds is abnormal and concerning, as it can indicate uterine hyperstimulation, which can reduce the blood flow to the placenta and fetus, and cause fetal distress. The nurse should report this finding to the provider immediately and prepare for interventions, such as stopping oxytocin infusion, administering tocolytics, or performing an emergency cesarean section.
Choice C reason: Contractions are strong in intensity are also normal and expected in the active phase of the first stage of labor, as they facilitate the cervical dilation and effacement. The nurse does not need to report this finding to the provider.
Choice D reason: Client reports feeling contractions in lower back are common and not harmful, especially if the fetus is in the occiput posterior position, which causes the fetal head to press against the sacrum. The nurse does not need to report this finding to the provider, but can offer comfort measures, such as massage, counterpressure, heat, or position changes.
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