A nurse is assisting with the admission of a client who has hyperemesis gravidarum. Which of the following laboratory tests is the priority to complete?
Serum bilirubin
Liver enzymes
Urinalysis for ketones
CBC
The Correct Answer is C
(a) Serum bilirubin:
While serum bilirubin can provide useful information about liver function, it is not the most immediate concern for a client with hyperemesis gravidarum. This condition primarily involves severe nausea and vomiting, which can lead to dehydration and ketosis.
(b) Liver enzymes:
Liver enzymes can be elevated in hyperemesis gravidarum, but they are not the primary concern. The immediate priority is to assess the extent of dehydration and metabolic disturbances.
(c) Urinalysis for ketones:
This test is the priority because it helps determine the extent of dehydration and ketosis. In hyperemesis gravidarum, severe vomiting can lead to significant fluid and electrolyte imbalances and ketosis, which need to be identified and corrected promptly to prevent further complications.
(d) CBC:
A complete blood count (CBC) provides useful information about overall health and can identify anemia or infection, but it is not the priority for immediate assessment of hyperemesis gravidarum. The immediate need is to evaluate hydration status and ketosis, which is best done through urinalysis for ketones.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
(A) Reposition the newborn every 2 to 3 hr:
Repositioning the newborn every 2 to 3 hours helps ensure uniform exposure to the phototherapy lights, maximizing the effectiveness of the treatment. This prevents uneven distribution of light and reduces the risk of pressure ulcers or skin breakdown from prolonged immobility.
(B) Monitor the newborn's blood glucose level every 2 hr:
Monitoring the newborn's blood glucose level every 2 hours is not directly related to phototherapy for hyperbilirubinemia. While monitoring blood glucose levels may be necessary for certain newborns, especially those at risk for hypoglycemia, it is not a routine intervention during phototherapy.
(C) Give the newborn 30 ml of distilled water after each feeding:
Giving the newborn distilled water after each feeding is not indicated during phototherapy for hyperbilirubinemia. Breast milk or formula is sufficient for hydration, and providing additional water can interfere with adequate feeding and potentially lead to electrolyte imbalances.
(D) Apply a water-based ointment to the newborn's skin every 4 to 6 hr:
Applying a water-based ointment to the newborn's skin is not typically recommended during phototherapy. Ointments can create a barrier on the skin, reducing the effectiveness of the phototherapy treatment by blocking light absorption.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
(A) Increased fundal height:
Hyperemesis gravidarum, severe nausea, and vomiting during pregnancy, typically does not cause an increased fundal height. Fundal height may be normal or even decreased due to dehydration and weight loss.
(B) Poor skin turgor:
Poor skin turgor is a common finding in clients with hyperemesis gravidarum due to dehydration. Excessive vomiting leads to fluid loss and dehydration, resulting in poor skin elasticity and turgor.
(C) Decreased pulse rate:
Hyperemesis gravidarum usually results in dehydration and hypovolemia, which can lead to an increased heart rate rather than a decreased pulse rate. The body compensates for decreased fluid volume by increasing the heart rate to maintain adequate circulation.
(D) Proteinuria:
Proteinuria, the presence of abnormal amounts of protein in the urine, is not typically associated with hyperemesis gravidarum. Proteinuria can be a sign of kidney dysfunction or other medical conditions but is not directly related to severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.
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