A nurse is caring for a client post-seizure. Which of the following actions are the priority? Select all that apply
Administer oxygen
Prepare magnesium sulfate
Leave client alone
Maintain airway
Monitor fetal status
Correct Answer : A,B,D,E
The postictal phase following an eclamptic seizure requires immediate stabilization to prevent aspiration pneumonia and monitor for fetal hypoxia. Nursing care focuses on restoring maternal oxygenation and preventing seizure recurrence via pharmacological intervention. Continuous assessment of uterine activity is vital to rule out placental abruption triggered by the convulsion.
A. Administer oxygen: Seizure activity causes maternal apnea and increased metabolic demand, leading to significant hemoglobin desaturation. Providing supplemental oxygen via a non-rebreather mask ensures maximal oxygen delivery to both the mother and the placental unit. This mitigates the risk of fetal acidemia following the event.
B. Prepare magnesium sulfate: This is the primary medication used to prevent further seizures by depressing the central nervous system and blocking neuromuscular transmission. It is superior to traditional anticonvulsants in the management of eclampsia. Careful monitoring for magnesium toxicity, including loss of patellar reflexes, is required.
C. Leave client alone: This action is dangerous and negligent, as the client remains at high risk for airway obstruction, vomiting, or recurrent seizures during the postictal state. Constant bedside presence is required to ensure safety. The nurse must maintain a protective environment and monitor vital signs closely.
D. Maintain airway: Placing the client in a lateral recumbent position prevents the tongue from obstructing the glottis and facilitates the drainage of secretions. Suctioning the oropharynx may be necessary to prevent aspiration of saliva or gastric contents. Maintaining a patent airway is the absolute priority intervention post-seizure.
E. Monitor fetal status: Eclamptic seizures can trigger fetal bradycardia or late decelerations due to uterine artery vasospasm and maternal hypoxia. Continuous electronic fetal monitoring is essential to assess for recovery or signs of distress. It also helps detect concealed abruption evidenced by increased uterine resting tone.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Hyperemesis gravidarum is a severe complication characterized by intractable vomiting leading to fluid-electrolyte imbalance, ketonuria, and weight loss exceeding 5% of pre-pregnancy mass. The pathophysiology involves high serum hCG levels and potential hyperthyroidism. Patients exhibit signs of intravascular dehydration and metabolic alkalosis.
A. Iron deficiency: While anemia is common in pregnancy, it typically presents with fatigue and pallor rather than acute, persistent emesis and significant weight loss. Iron supplements can actually exacerbate gastric irritation and nausea. It is not the primary cause of the severe hemodynamic instability described here.
B. Hyperemesis gravidarum: The combination of 6-pound weight loss, persistent inability to retain nutrients, and orthostatic dizziness indicates a pathological state beyond normal morning sickness. This condition requires aggressive intravenous rehydration and electrolyte replacement. Dark urine and dizziness are clinical hallmarks of severe volume depletion.
C. Gastroenteritis: An acute infection of the digestive tract usually presents with diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramping alongside vomiting. While it causes temporary dehydration, the 10-week gestational timing and lack of lower gastrointestinal symptoms point toward a pregnancy-induced etiology. It is typically a self-limiting viral or bacterial event.
D. Normal morning sickness: Physiological nausea of pregnancy usually peaks in the morning and does not result in significant weight loss or clinical dehydration. Clients can typically maintain some oral intake and do not experience dizziness upon standing. It lacks the severe metabolic consequences seen in hyperemesis.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Nonpharmacological pain management focuses on modulating the gate-control mechanism of pain through sensory and cognitive distractions. These methods avoid the systemic side effects and neonatal depression associated with medications. They empower the patient to utilize coping strategies that promote physiological labor progress.
A. Aromatherapy: The use of essential oils like lavender can reduce maternal anxiety and promote a sense of well-being during labor. By calming the limbic system, it can decrease the perception of pain intensity. It is a valid complementary therapy in obstetric care.
B. IV opioids: Opioids are pharmacological agents that cross the placenta and can cause neonatal respiratory depression. While effective for pain, they do not fall under the category of nonpharmacological or "natural" interventions. They require medical prescriptions and close monitoring.
C. Position changes: Alternating between upright, side-lying, or squatting positions utilizes gravity to assist in fetal descent. This reduces pressure on the maternal sacrum and optimizes pelvic diameters. It is a fundamental non-invasive technique for managing labor discomfort.
D. Massage: Effleurage or deep tissue massage stimulates large-diameter nerve fibers to block nociceptive signals from the uterus. This physical touch provides comfort and promotes the release of endogenous endorphins. It is a highly effective manual therapy for laboring clients.
E. Water therapy: Immersion in warm water provides buoyancy and relaxation, which reduces the pressure on the pelvis and improves uterine perfusion. Hydrotherapy is known to decrease the need for epidural anesthesia and facilitates a more comfortable labor experience. It is a widely used non-drug intervention.
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