A nurse is caring for a client who has hyperemesis gravidarum. The nurse should identify that the client is at risk for which of the following conditions?
Elevated blood pressure
Leukopenia
Hydramnios
Ketonuria
The Correct Answer is C
A. Elevated blood pressure is typically associated with gestational hypertension or preeclampsia rather than hyperemesis gravidarum. In hyperemesis, the significant fluid loss through protracted vomiting more commonly leads to hypovolemia and a subsequent decrease in systemic blood pressure. While compensatory tachycardia may occur, hypertension is not a direct scientific expectation for this clinical condition.
B. Leukopenia, which is a decrease in the white blood cell count, is not a typical finding in clients suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum. Hemoconcentration caused by severe dehydration may actually result in a relative increase in various laboratory values, including hematocrit and occasionally white cell counts. There is no physiological mechanism within this disorder that causes the bone marrow suppression required for leukopenia.
C. Hydramnios, or excessive amniotic fluid volume, is generally associated with fetal anomalies or maternal diabetes rather than severe vomiting. Hyperemesis gravidarum is characterized by a state of maternal fluid volume deficit rather than an excess of amniotic fluid. In severe, untreated cases, maternal dehydration might actually lead to decreased placental perfusion and a potential reduction in amniotic fluid.
D. Ketonuria is a critical finding in hyperemesis gravidarum that indicates the body has shifted to an anaerobic metabolic state. Because the client cannot retain sufficient carbohydrates for energy, the body begins catabolizing adipose tissue to produce fuel, resulting in the accumulation of ketone bodies. The presence of these ketones in the urine confirms that the client is experiencing metabolic starvation and requires immediate intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Correct - Reporting crackles is important because they can indicate fluid retention in the lungs, which can be a serious adverse effect of terbutaline.
B) Incorrect- Dizziness is a common side effect of terbutaline and might not warrant immediate reporting unless severe.
C) Incorrect- Nausea is a common side effect of terbutaline and might not warrant immediate reporting unless severe.
D) Incorrect- Tremors are a common side effect of terbutaline and might not warrant immediate reporting unless severe.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A) Incorrect - The umbilical area is not a typical location for auscultating fetal heart tones.
B) Incorrect - The suprapubic area is not a common location for auscultating fetal heart tones.
C) Correct - At 12 weeks of gestation, the nurse would typically auscultate the fetal heart tones above the left iliac crest, which is in the lower abdomen. This is where the uterus is located at this stage of pregnancy.
D) Incorrect - Auscultating below the liver border on the right abdomen is not a standard practice for fetal heart tone assessment.
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