A nurse is assisting in the care of an older adult client who was admitted from a long-term care facility.

Admission Assessment 1400:

Client's history includes cigarette smoking for 50 years but quit 3 years ago, Parkinson's disease, and anxiety. Yesterday, client reported "feeling bad." Client is alert and oriented to self, reports upper chest discomfort, and is coughing up thick clear sputum.

Select the 3 findings that require immediate follow-up.

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should ensure that the side rails are up on the client's bed. This action is essential for the safety of the client with severe preeclampsia, as it prevents accidental falls or injuries. Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure and signs of organ damage, and it poses significant risks to both the mother and the fetus. By keeping the side rails up, the nurse can minimize the risk of falls and ensure the client's safety while in bed.

Choice B rationale:

Ambulating the client every 4 hours is not appropriate for a pregnant woman with severe preeclampsia. Preeclampsia can cause high blood pressure, swelling, and proteinuria. It is a serious condition that requires close monitoring and strict bed rest to prevent complications such as seizures or eclampsia. Ambulation may increase the risk of falls and is contraindicated in this situation.

Choice C rationale:

Checking the fetal heart rate twice daily is important in the care of a pregnant client with severe preeclampsia. However, ensuring the client's safety by keeping the side rails up on the bed takes priority. While monitoring the fetal heart rate is crucial for assessing the baby's well-being, it does not address the immediate safety concerns of the client, which can be addressed by maintaining the side rails up.

Choice D rationale:

Providing the client with a low-protein diet is not the correct action for a pregnant woman with severe preeclampsia. In fact, pregnant women with preeclampsia are often advised to increase their protein intake to help manage their condition. A low-protein diet can lead to malnutrition and may not provide the necessary nutrients for both the mother and the developing fetus. The primary focus should be on bed rest, monitoring vital signs, and managing symptoms to prevent complications.

- A. Heart rate 136/min is a normal finding for a newborn. The normal range of heart rate for a newborn is 100 to 160/min.

- B. Nasal flaring is an abnormal finding for a newborn. Nasal flaring indicates respiratory distress and may be caused by conditions such as pneumonia, meconium aspiration, or congenital heart defects.

- C. Transient strabismus is a normal finding for a newborn. Transient strabismus is a temporary misalignment of the eyes that occurs due to weak eye muscles and poor coordination. It usually resolves by 3 to 6 months of age.

- D. Overlapping of sutures is a normal finding for a newborn. Overlapping of sutures is caused by molding of the skull during delivery and allows the head to fit through the birth canal. It usually resolves within a few days after birth.