A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who is pregnant
The nurse is reviewing the client's medical record.
Select 4 findings that the nurse should identify as a potential prenatal complication.
Urine protein
Respiratory rate
Gravida/parity
Urine ketones
Headache
Fetal activity
Blood pressure
Correct Answer : A,E,F,G
- Urine protein: The presence of 3+ proteinuria is a significant finding suggestive of preeclampsia. Protein in the urine indicates renal involvement due to endothelial dysfunction, which is a hallmark complication in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and needs immediate attention.
- Respiratory rate: A respiratory rate of 16/min falls within the normal adult range of 12 to 20 breaths per minute. There is no evidence of respiratory distress, tachypnea, or bradypnea, so this finding does not suggest a prenatal complication.
- Gravida/parity: Although the client has a history of one preterm birth, gravida and parity alone are not indicators of a current prenatal complication. It is important background information but does not point directly to an acute complication at this time.
- Urine ketones: The absence of ketones in the urine is a normal finding. If ketones were present, it could suggest dehydration, starvation, or uncontrolled diabetes, but since they are negative, ketones are not a concern for prenatal complication here.
- Headache: A severe headache unrelieved by acetaminophen in a pregnant woman can signal worsening hypertension or preeclampsia. Persistent headaches are a concerning symptom that warrants immediate evaluation and management to prevent maternal and fetal harm.
- Fetal activity: Decreased fetal movement is a worrisome sign of possible fetal compromise, such as hypoxia or placental insufficiency. Reduced movements require further fetal assessment and monitoring to ensure fetal well-being.
- Blood pressure: A blood pressure reading of 162/112 mm Hg is severely elevated and meets the diagnostic criteria for severe preeclampsia. Uncontrolled hypertension during pregnancy places both the mother and fetus at significant risk for serious complications.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","F","G"]
Explanation
- Prepare client for insertion of 18-gauge peripheral IV prior to surgery: A large-bore IV catheter, such as an 18-gauge, is necessary before surgery to ensure rapid administration of fluids, medications, or blood products if needed during the procedure. It is a measure to support hemodynamic stability during anesthesia and surgery.
- Administer Rh, D immune globin prior to surgery: The client's blood type is B negative. Because an ectopic pregnancy involves fetal tissue, and there's a potential for fetal-maternal blood mixing during the surgery, administering Rh(D) immune globulin (RhoGAM) is crucial to prevent Rh sensitization in Rh-negative women who may be carrying an Rh-positive fetus. This is typically given within 72 hours of a potential sensitizing event.
- Obtain a complete blood count: A CBC is critical to assess hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet levels before surgery. This helps the healthcare team anticipate the risk of bleeding and determine if transfusions might be necessary during or after the laparoscopic procedure.
- Explain the surgical procedure to the client: Explaining the surgical procedure is the provider's responsibility, not the nurse's role. The nurse can reinforce teaching and answer basic questions but should not be the primary person explaining the procedure or obtaining informed consent.
- Remind client to be NPO prior to surgery: Maintaining NPO status is essential to reduce the risk of aspiration during anesthesia. The client should avoid eating or drinking for a specified time before surgery, following the facility's preoperative protocol.
- Verify consent form is signed by the client: Verifying that the informed consent form is properly signed is a crucial nursing responsibility before surgery. It ensures legal compliance and confirms that the client has been informed about the procedure, risks, and alternatives.
Correct Answer is []
Explanation
- Prepare the client for an emergency cesarean birth: Emergency cesarean delivery is indicated in cases of fetal distress or placenta previa with severe bleeding at term. In a hydatidiform mole, there is no viable fetus, and the priority is evacuation of the molar tissue rather than delivery by cesarean section.
- Prepare the client for suction curettage: Suction curettage is the treatment of choice for a hydatidiform mole. It allows for the complete evacuation of abnormal trophoblastic tissue, preventing complications such as severe hemorrhage and progression to malignant gestational trophoblastic disease.
- Anticipate a prescription for methotrexate: Methotrexate is primarily used to treat ectopic pregnancies or persistent gestational trophoblastic disease after a molar pregnancy, not for initial management. Immediate evacuation of the mole by suction curettage is the first-line intervention for this client.
- Remind the client that weekly blood tests are needed to measure pregnancy hormone: Following a molar pregnancy, weekly beta-hCG tests are critical to monitor for residual trophoblastic tissue or the development of choriocarcinoma. A declining beta-hCG confirms the resolution of disease, while a plateau or rise indicates persistent disease.
- Administer terbutaline: Terbutaline is a tocolytic medication used to relax the uterus in cases of preterm labor. In the case of a hydatidiform mole, uterine evacuation is necessary rather than uterine relaxation, making terbutaline inappropriate for this situation.
- Vaginal bleeding: Clients with a hydatidiform mole are at risk for significant vaginal bleeding due to the abnormal growth of trophoblastic tissue. Monitoring the amount and type of vaginal bleeding helps detect hemorrhage or retained molar tissue requiring urgent intervention.
- Blood pressure: Elevated blood pressure is a potential complication of hydatidiform mole, similar to preeclampsia, and can occur even in the first or second trimester. Regular monitoring of blood pressure is essential to detect worsening hypertensive symptoms early.
- Uterus for hypertonicity: Hypertonicity of the uterus is typically monitored in cases of labor or uterine rupture concerns. In a hydatidiform mole, the uterus is distended by abnormal tissue but hypertonicity is not a primary concern needing monitoring in this condition.
- Unilateral pelvic pain: Unilateral pelvic pain is more characteristic of ectopic pregnancy rather than a molar pregnancy. In hydatidiform mole, generalized uterine enlargement and discomfort are more typical, so unilateral pelvic pain is not a focus for this client.
- Cervical dilation per provider: Cervical dilation is not the main indicator of progress or concern with a molar pregnancy. The focus is on removing molar tissue and monitoring beta-hCG levels, not on the progress of cervical changes like in labor.
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