A nurse is caring for a pregnant client with preeclampsia.
The nurse prepares a plan of care for the client and documents in the plan that if the client progresses from preeclampsia to eclampsia, the nurse's first action is to:
Clean and maintain an open airway.
Administer oxygen by face mask.
Assess the blood pressure and fetal heart rate.
Administer magnesium sulfate intravenously.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Maintaining a patent airway is the immediate priority in the event of a seizure associated with eclampsia. During a seizure, the client's respiratory muscles may become compromised, leading to airway obstruction and hypoxemia, which can be detrimental to both the mother and the fetus. Ensuring a clear airway allows for adequate oxygenation.
Choice B rationale
While administering oxygen is important in managing eclampsia to address potential hypoxemia, establishing and maintaining a clear airway takes precedence. Without a patent airway, supplemental oxygen delivery will be ineffective. Oxygen administration typically follows ensuring airway patency.
Choice C rationale
Assessing blood pressure and fetal heart rate is crucial in monitoring the progression of preeclampsia and eclampsia, but it is not the immediate first action during an eclamptic seizure. The immediate concern is the client's airway and preventing injury during the seizure. Monitoring follows stabilization of the airway.
Choice D rationale
Magnesium sulfate is the medication of choice to prevent and treat eclamptic seizures. However, during an active seizure, the immediate priority is to ensure the client's safety and airway. Magnesium sulfate administration would follow the initial steps of airway management and seizure precautions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Encouraging a hands-and-knees position may help rotate a malpositioned fetus or relieve back pain, but it does not directly address hypotonic uterine dysfunction, which is characterized by weak, ineffective contractions. While it can improve maternal comfort and potentially aid in fetal descent if malpositioning is a contributing factor to slow labor progress, it will not augment the strength or frequency of contractions necessary for cervical dilation.
Choice B rationale
Providing a comfortable environment with dim lighting can promote relaxation and potentially enhance the progress of labor in cases of hypertonic uterine dysfunction (uncoordinated, painful contractions). However, in hypotonic dysfunction, the issue is a lack of adequate uterine muscle activity. While comfort measures are always important, they do not directly stimulate stronger contractions.
Choice C rationale
Administering oxytocin is the primary medical intervention for hypotonic uterine dysfunction. Oxytocin is a synthetic hormone that stimulates uterine smooth muscle to contract more frequently and with greater intensity. This augmentation of uterine activity aims to establish an effective labor pattern, leading to cervical dilation and fetal descent when fetopelvic disproportion has been ruled out.
Choice D rationale
Preparing for an amniotomy (artificial rupture of membranes) might be considered to augment labor if the membranes are intact. However, the question states the membranes have already ruptured. Amniotomy can sometimes stimulate contractions by releasing prostaglandins, but it is not the first-line intervention for established hypotonic dysfunction after membrane rupture, and oxytocin is generally more effective in this situation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Applying heat to the breasts in mastitis can increase blood flow and potentially worsen inflammation. While heat can be comforting for engorgement, in mastitis, it may exacerbate the inflammatory response and should be used cautiously or avoided in the acute phase. The primary goal is to remove milk and reduce inflammation.
Choice B rationale
Removing the nursing bra might provide some temporary comfort if the bra is too tight and constricting milk flow. However, it does not address the underlying infection or inflammation of mastitis. Supportive nursing bras are generally recommended to provide support without restricting milk ducts.
Choice C rationale
Given the early indications of mastitis, such as a hard, warm area in the breast, moderate lochia rubra (which is normal for postpartum day 3), and a fundus appropriately descended, additional interventions are indeed indicated to prevent the progression of the infection and promote healing. Ignoring these signs could lead to a more severe infection.
Choice D rationale
Continued breastfeeding is crucial for managing mastitis. Frequent emptying of the breasts helps to remove the stagnant milk, which can contribute to the infection. Breast milk has antimicrobial properties that can aid in resolving the infection. Encouraging the client to breastfeed frequently on the affected side, starting with that side, promotes drainage and healing.
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