A nurse is caring for an adolescent client who is gravida 1 and para 0. The client was admitted to the hospital at 38 weeks of gestation with a diagnosis of preeclampsia.
Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as inconsistent with preeclampsia?
Deep tendon reflexes of +1.
3+ protein in the urine.
Blood pressure 148/98 mm Hg.
Pitting sacral edema.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Deep tendon reflexes of +1 are hypoactive reflexes, indicating decreased neurological excitability. In preeclampsia, central nervous system irritability is a key feature, often leading to hyperreflexia, which would be documented as +2, +3, or +4. Therefore, +1 reflexes are inconsistent with preeclampsia.
Choice B rationale
3+ protein in the urine indicates significant proteinuria, which is a hallmark sign of preeclampsia. The kidneys are affected in preeclampsia, leading to increased excretion of protein in the urine.
Choice C rationale
A blood pressure of 148/98 mm Hg is elevated and falls within the diagnostic criteria for preeclampsia, which is hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg) that develops after 20 weeks of gestation along with proteinuria or other signs of end-organ damage.
Choice D rationale
Pitting sacral edema, or swelling in the sacral area that leaves a pit when pressed, is a common finding in preeclampsia due to fluid retention and increased capillary permeability.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Nausea and vomiting are common discomforts of pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester. While they can be distressing, they are not typically indicative of an immediate life-threatening condition for the mother or fetus at 14 weeks gestation. Hyperemesis gravidarum, a more severe form, would warrant closer attention, but the description here is general.
Choice B rationale
Painless vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimester (28 weeks gestation) is a concerning sign and could indicate placenta previa or placental abruption, both of which can lead to significant maternal and fetal hemorrhage and compromise fetal oxygenation. This client requires immediate assessment to determine the cause and ensure prompt intervention if necessary.
Choice C rationale
A cough and fever at 38 weeks gestation could indicate an infection, such as influenza or pneumonia. While these conditions can be serious for a near-term pregnant woman and potentially affect the fetus, they are generally less immediately life-threatening than significant vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimester and would be addressed after the client with potential placental issues.
Choice D rationale
Missed period and vaginal spotting can be early signs of pregnancy or a threatened abortion. While it warrants investigation, it is generally not an immediate emergency requiring triage before a client with painless vaginal bleeding at 28 weeks gestation, which carries a higher risk of acute complications.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A glucose reading of 58 mg/dL in a newborn is below the normal range (typically 40-60 mg/dL in the first hours of life, rising to 50-90 mg/dL). While it requires attention and intervention to prevent hypoglycemia, it is not as immediately life-threatening as a significantly low temperature.
Choice B rationale
A temperature of 97.4°F (36.3°C) in a newborn is below the normal range (typically 97.7°F to 99.5°F or 36.5°C to 37.5°C). Hypothermia in a newborn can lead to cold stress, increased oxygen consumption, and hypoglycemia. This newborn needs immediate assessment and warming measures to prevent complications.
Choice C rationale
A respiratory rate of 48 breaths per minute is within the normal range for a newborn (typically 30-60 breaths per minute). While the nurse will continue to monitor the respiratory status, this finding does not indicate immediate distress.
Choice D rationale
A pulse rate of 134 beats per minute is within the normal range for a newborn (typically 110-160 beats per minute). While the nurse will continue to monitor the cardiovascular status, this finding does not indicate immediate distress. .
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.