A nurse is assessing a client who is 12 hours postpartum and received spinal anesthesia for a cesarean birth.
Which of the following findings requires immediate intervention by the nurse?

Choice A rationale

A dipstick value of 3+ for protein in the urine is a significant indicator of proteinuria, a key diagnostic criterion for preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is characterized by new-onset hypertension and proteinuria or other signs of end-organ damage in a previously normotensive pregnant woman. A 3+ protein level suggests substantial protein spillage into the urine, necessitating immediate attention to assess the severity of preeclampsia and prevent potential complications for both the mother and the fetus. Normal urine protein is typically negative to trace amounts.

Choice B rationale

Pitting pedal edema at the end of the day can be a common finding in pregnancy due to increased blood volume and pressure on the veins in the legs. While edema can be associated with preeclampsia, it is not a primary diagnostic criterion and can occur in normal pregnancies. Therefore, isolated pedal edema without other signs of preeclampsia is less concerning than significant proteinuria.

Choice C rationale

A blood pressure reading of 138/86 mm Hg is mildly elevated and falls within the range for stage 1 hypertension. While hypertension is a diagnostic criterion for preeclampsia, this isolated reading without a significant increase from baseline or other preeclampsia symptoms may not be the most urgent concern compared to significant proteinuria. Preeclampsia diagnosis requires a blood pressure of ≥140 mm Hg systolic or ≥90 mm Hg diastolic on two occasions at least 4 hours apart after 20 weeks of gestation in a previously normotensive woman.

Choice D rationale

A weight gain of 0.5 kg (approximately 1.1 pounds) over two weeks is within the expected range for weight gain during pregnancy. While rapid or excessive weight gain can be a sign of fluid retention associated with preeclampsia, a modest gain of 0.5 kg over two weeks is not a primary indicator of the condition and is less concerning than significant proteinuria.

Rationales for Each Condition

Hyperemesis Gravidarum

1. Weight loss: Excessive vomiting leads to poor nutritional intake and dehydration, causing unintended weight loss. The normal weight gain expected in the first trimester of pregnancy is around 0.5–2 kg. A weight loss of 0.9 kg in two weeks is concerning.
2. Hypotension: Dehydration due to persistent vomiting causes reduced intravascular volume, leading to low blood pressure. Normal blood pressure ranges from 90/60 mm Hg to 120/80 mm Hg. The client's 96/52 mm Hg value indicates potential volume depletion.
3. Tachycardia: Fluid loss and electrolyte imbalances increase heart rate as a compensatory mechanism to maintain perfusion. The normal heart rate ranges from 60–100 bpm, and the client's 116 bpm suggests dehydration-related tachycardia.

Cystitis

1. Dysuria: Inflammation of the bladder due to infection causes pain or burning during urination, a classic symptom of cystitis. The absence of other urinary symptoms, such as urgency or hematuria, helps differentiate cystitis from other conditions.