A nurse is admitting a female client, age 34, who is at 38 weeks of gestation to the labor and delivery unit for induction of labor.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take prior to implementing the provider’s prescriptions?
Ensure calcium gluconate is readily available.
Obtain the client’s heart rate.
Evaluate the client’s platelet count.
Determine if the client has aspirin sensitivity.
Review the client’s history for documentation of heart disease.
Correct Answer : A,B,D,E
Choice A rationale: Calcium gluconate is the antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity, often used in labor inductions complicated by preeclampsia or gestational hypertension. Having it readily available ensures prompt treatment of symptoms like respiratory depression or cardiac arrhythmias caused by magnesium overdose. This safety measure is critical because oxytocin use can increase uterine contractions and magnesium sulfate use requires close monitoring to prevent toxicity.
Choice B rationale: Obtaining the client’s heart rate prior to initiating oxytocin is essential to establish a baseline and monitor for tachycardia or bradycardia, which may affect maternal and fetal safety. Oxytocin can cause cardiovascular changes, including hypertension or arrhythmias, especially in clients with gestational hypertension. Continuous maternal cardiac assessment helps detect adverse effects early and adjust treatment accordingly.
Choice C rationale: Evaluating platelet count before induction is important in clients with gestational hypertension due to the risk of HELLP syndrome, which involves thrombocytopenia. Normal platelet levels range from 150,000 to 400,000/mm³; low levels increase bleeding risk during labor and delivery. Knowing platelet status guides safe management decisions, including anesthesia options and readiness for potential hemorrhagic complications.
Choice D rationale: Assessing for aspirin sensitivity is crucial because aspirin is often used in pregnancy for preeclampsia prevention. Aspirin hypersensitivity can lead to allergic reactions or exacerbation of asthma. Since the client has gestational hypertension, determining aspirin tolerance before administering medications is necessary to prevent adverse drug reactions and ensure safe pharmacologic management.
Choice E rationale: Reviewing the client’s history for heart disease documentation is vital as gestational hypertension increases cardiovascular risk. Preexisting heart conditions can complicate labor induction and oxytocin administration due to possible cardiac overload or arrhythmias. A comprehensive cardiac history ensures appropriate monitoring and interventions to prevent maternal and fetal complications during labor.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. The bladder is distended upon palpation: A distended bladder suggests urinary retention, not effective voiding. This may impair uterine contraction and increase the risk of hemorrhage.
B. The uterine fundus is 2 cm above the umbilicus: A high-rising fundus may indicate a full bladder that is displacing the uterus, often due to incomplete voiding.
C. The client does not feel the urge to urinate: Lack of urge may indicate altered bladder sensation, a potential complication after catheter removal and childbirth.
D. The client urinates 30 mL/hr: Urine output of ≥30 mL/hr is considered adequate and reflects effective voiding and kidney function, especially in the postpartum period.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A client at 12 weeks of gestation not feeling fetal movement is expected. Fetal movement, or quickening, typically begins between 16 and 20 weeks of gestation for primigravidas and earlier for multigravidas. At 12 weeks, the fetus is still small and movements are not usually strong enough to be consistently perceived by the mother, thus this finding is not immediately concerning.
Choice B rationale
A fetal heart rate (FHR) of 160/min at 28 weeks of gestation is within the normal range, which is typically 110-160 beats/min. A normal FHR indicates adequate fetal oxygenation and well-being. Therefore, this finding does not suggest an emergent situation requiring immediate provider assessment.
Choice C rationale
Deep tendon reflexes (DTRs) graded as 2+ are considered normal. This grading indicates an average, brisk reflex response. Abnormal DTRs, such as hyperreflexia (3+ or 4+), can be indicative of preeclampsia, but a 2+ finding is physiological and does not warrant immediate concern.
Choice D rationale
Blurred vision in a client at 36 weeks of gestation can be a symptom of preeclampsia, a serious hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. This condition can lead to severe complications such as eclampsia, placental abruption, or HELLP syndrome, requiring immediate medical evaluation and intervention to prevent adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.
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