A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing preterm labor and has a new prescription for terbutaline. Which of the following findings is a contraindication for the administration of this medication?

Choice A rationale:

Edema is not an expected finding of uncomplicated gestational hypertension. While some degree of edema can be common during pregnancy, it is not specifically related to gestational hypertension.

Choice B rationale:

A blood pressure reading of 155/92 is an expected finding in a client with uncomplicated gestational hypertension. Gestational hypertension is defined as systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg after 20 weeks of pregnancy, without the presence of proteinuria or other organ dysfunction.

Choice C rationale:

Proteinuria is an expected finding in gestational hypertension. It is an important diagnostic criterion for preeclampsia, which is a severe form of gestational hypertension.

Choice D rationale:

Hepatic dysfunction is not an expected finding in uncomplicated gestational hypertension. Hepatic dysfunction would indicate more severe complications such as HELLP syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, Low Platelet count), which is a medical emergency.

Choice E rationale:

Blood pressure usually returns to normal after pregnancy in women with uncomplicated gestational hypertension. However, it is essential to monitor the client closely postpartum to ensure blood pressure normalization.

Choice D rationale:

During the transition phase of labor, the nurse should encourage the client to use a pant- blow breathing pattern. The transition phase is intense, and pant-blow breathing (a form of controlled breathing) can help the client manage the pain and reduce anxiety. Panting during contractions allows the client to focus on short, shallow breaths, which can be more effective than deep breathing during this stage.

Choice A rationale:

Assisting the client to void every 3 hours is important during labor, but it is not specific to the transition phase. The nurse should encourage the client to void regularly during the entire labor process to prevent bladder distension and facilitate the descent of the baby. However, during the transition phase, the client may be more focused on contractions and may not need reminders to void every 3 hours.

Choice B rationale:

Monitoring contractions every 30 minutes is not appropriate during the transition phase of labor. The transition phase is characterized by frequent and strong contractions, and continuous monitoring of contractions is usually required during this phase to ensure fetal well-being and progress in labor.

Choice C rationale:

Placing the client into a lithotomy position is not appropriate during the transition phase of labor. The lithotomy position, where the client lies on their back with legs raised and supported in stirrups, is often used during the pushing phase. During the transition phase, it is more common for the client to be in an upright or semi-reclining position to facilitate the descent of the baby through the birth canal.