A nurse is collecting data from a client who is at 29 weeks of gestation.
Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a potential indication of a prenatal complication?
Leg cramps.
Ptyalism.
Blurred vision.
Melasma.
The Correct Answer is C
This can be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious complication of pregnancy that causes high blood pressure and proteinuria.
The nurse should report this finding to the provider and monitor the client’s blood pressure, urine protein, and reflexes.
Choice A is wrong because leg cramps are a common discomfort during pregnancy and are not usually a sign of a complication.
Choice B is wrong because ptyalism, or excessive salivation, is a normal physiological change during pregnancy and does not indicate a problem.
Choice D is wrong because melasma, or darkening of the skin on the face, is also a normal physiological change during pregnancy and does not pose a risk to the mother or the fetus.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This is a manifestation of a fat embolism, which is a condition where particles of fat get into the bloodstream and block blood flow. A fat embolism can occur after trauma or surgery to the legs, when fat from the bone marrow escapes into the bloodstream.
Choice A is wrong because a report of pain as 6 on a scale of 0 to 10 is not specific to a fat embolism.
Pain is a common symptom of many conditions and injuries.
Choice B is wrong because pulses 2+ distal to the client’s fracture are normal and indicate adequate blood flow to the extremity.
Choice D is wrong because bruising around the fracture site is an expected finding after a compound fracture and does not indicate a fat embolism.
Normal ranges for blood pressure are 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg and for heart rate are 60 to 100 beats per minute.
Petechiae are small red or purple spots on the skin caused by bleeding under the skin.
They can range in size from pinpoint to several millimeters. Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a serious complication of a fat embolism that affects the lungs, skin or brain and can be fatal. FES usually occurs 12 to 72 hours after trauma.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Ask the client to empty their bladder.
This is because a full bladder can interfere with the pelvic examination and cause discomfort to the client. The nurse should also instruct the client to avoid douching, using tampons, vaginal medications, sprays, powders, birth control foam, cream, or jelly for at least 24 hours before the exam.
Choice A is wrong because the client should be placed in a lithotomy position, not a prone position, for a pelvic examination.
Choice C is wrong because douching can alter the normal vaginal flora and pH, and increase the risk of infection.
Choice D is wrong because placing the client’s arms over their head can tighten the abdominal muscles and make the examination more difficult. The nurse should ask the client to place their arms at their sides or across their chest.
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