A nurse is caring for a client with gestational hypertension who has been prescribed magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures related to preeclampsia.

Which of the following assessments should the nurse prioritize?

Respiratory rate and depth

Urine output and color

Blood pressure and heart rate

Level of consciousness and reflexes

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

The correct answer is choice D) Level of consciousness and reflexes. This is because magnesium sulfate can cause toxicity and affect the central nervous system, leading to decreased level of consciousness and loss of reflexes. These are signs that the dose of magnesium sulfate should be reduced or stopped.

The nurse should prioritize assessing these parameters to prevent seizures and avoid magnesium toxicity.

Choice A) Respiratory rate and depth is wrong because magnesium sulfate can also cause respiratory depression, but this is a less common and less sensitive indicator of toxicity than level of consciousness and reflexes.

Choice B) Urine output and color is wrong because magnesium sulfate can also cause renal impairment, but this is not directly related to preventing seizures. However, urine output should be monitored to ensure adequate hydration and renal function.

Choice C) Blood pressure and heart rate is wrong because magnesium sulfate can also cause hypotension and bradycardia, but these are not the primary goals of therapy. Blood pressure and heart rate should be monitored to assess the severity of preeclampsia and the response to antihypertensive medications.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The correct answer is choice D. Hemoglobin 6 g/dL, platelets 25,000/mm3, AST 120 U/L, ALT 100 U/L.

This is because HELLP syndrome is a pregnancy complication that causes hemolysis (breaking down of red blood cells), elevated liver enzymes (indicating liver injury), and low platelet count (impairing blood clotting).

Choice A is wrong because hemoglobin 12 g/dL, platelets 150,000/mm3, AST 20 U/L, ALT 18 U/L are all within normal ranges and do not indicate HELLP syndrome.

Choice B is wrong because hemoglobin 10 g/dL, platelets 100,000/mm3, AST 40 U/L, ALT 35 U/L are mildly abnormal and may suggest mild preeclampsia but not HELLP syndrome.

Choice C is wrong because hemoglobin 8 g/dL, platelets 50,000/mm3, AST 80 U/L, ALT 70 U/L are moderately abnormal and may suggest moderate preeclampsia or incomplete HELLP syndrome but not full HELLP syndrome.

Normal ranges for these laboratory tests are:

• Hemoglobin: 11.5 to 16.5 g/dL for women.

• Platelets: 150,000 to 450,000/mm3 for adults.

• AST: 10 to 40 U/L for adults.

• ALT: 7 to 56 U/L for adults.

A. I should continue to take my blood pressure medication as prescribed until my next check-up B. I should report any signs of headache, blurred vision, or abdominal pain to my provider C. I should avoid breastfeeding my baby until my blood pressure returns to normal. D. I should limit my salt intake and drink plenty of fluids. E. I should weigh myself daily and report any sudden weight gain to my provider

Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E"]

Explanation

The correct answer is choice C. Choice C is wrong because breastfeeding is not contraindicated for women with gestational hypertension.Breastfeeding has many benefits for both the mother and the baby, and it does not affect blood pressure.

Choice A is correct because blood pressure medication should be continued as prescribed until the next check-up.Stopping medication abruptly can cause a rebound increase in blood pressure and increase the risk of complications.

Choice B is correct because headache, blurred vision, or abdominal pain are signs of severe preeclampsia, a serious complication of gestational hypertension that can affect the brain, liver, and kidneys.These symptoms should be reported to the provider immediately.

Choice D is correct because limiting salt intake and drinking plenty of fluids can help lower blood pressure and prevent fluid retention.

Salt can cause the body to hold on to excess water, which increases blood volume and blood pressure.Fluids can help flush out excess salt and keep the body hydrated.

Choice E is correct because weighing oneself daily and reporting any sudden weight gain to the provider can help monitor fluid balance and detect signs of preeclampsia.A weight gain of more than 2 pounds in a week or 5 pounds in a month may indicate fluid accumulation and increased blood pressure.

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A nurse is caring for a client with gestational hypertension who has been prescribed magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures related to preeclampsia. Which of the following assessments should the nurse prioritize?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client with gestational hypertension who has been diagnosed with HELLP syndrome. Which of the following findings would the nurse expect to see?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

(Select all that apply). A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with gestational hypertension who delivered a healthy baby two days ago. Which of the following statements by the client would indicate a need for further teaching?

Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E"]

Explanation

Which of the following signs and symptoms may indicate worsening condition or preeclampsia in a client with gestational hypertension?

A nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of magnesium sulfate therapy for a client with severe preeclampsia who is in labor. Which of the following findings would indicate that the therapy is effective?

A nurse is reviewing the risk factors for gestational hypertension with a group of pregnant clients at a prenatal clinic. Which of the following factors should the nurse include? (Select all that apply.).

What is a priority nursing intervention for a woman with severe preeclampsia who is receiving hydralazine IV.

Which of the following factors increases a woman’s risk for developing gestational hypertension.

A nurse is caring for a client with gestational hypertension who has been prescribed magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures related to preeclampsia. Which of the following assessments should the nurse prioritize?

Which of the following is a sign or symptom of gestational hypertension?

Which of the following interventions should be included in the plan of care for a client with severe preeclampsia? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is caring for a client with gestational hypertension who has been prescribed magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures related to preeclampsia.

Which of the following assessments should the nurse prioritize?