A nurse is completing the admission assessment of a client who is at 38 weeks of gestation and has severe preeclampsia. Which of the following is an expected finding?
Polyuria
Report of headache
Tachycardia
Absence of clonus
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Polyuria is not an expected finding in a client with severe preeclampsia, as it can indicate dehydration, diabetes, or renal impairment. A client with severe preeclampsia may have oliguria, which is a urine output of less than 500 mL in 24 hours, due to the decreased renal perfusion and function.
Choice B reason: Report of headache is an expected finding in a client with severe preeclampsia, as it can indicate increased intracranial pressure, cerebral edema, or vasospasm. A client with severe preeclampsia may also have other neurological symptoms, such as blurred vision, scotoma, photophobia, or hyperreflexia.
Choice C reason: Tachycardia is not an expected finding in a client with severe preeclampsia, as it can indicate dehydration, infection, anxiety, or fetal distress. A client with severe preeclampsia may have bradycardia, which is a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute, due to the increased vagal tone and blood pressure.
Choice D reason: Absence of clonus is not an expected finding in a client with severe preeclampsia, as it can indicate normal or decreased neuromuscular irritability. A client with severe preeclampsia may have positive clonus, which is a rhythmic jerking of the foot when the ankle is dorsiflexed, due to the increased reflex excitability and hyperactivity.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Providing a dark, quiet environment is an appropriate action for the nurse to implement, because it can help reduce the client's blood pressure and prevent seizures.
Choice B reason: Evaluating neurologic status every 12 hr is not an appropriate action for the nurse to implement, because it is not frequent enough. The nurse should assess the client's neurologic status every 2 to 4 hr, or more often if indicated, to detect signs of cerebral edema or eclampsia.
Choice C reason: Assessing respiratory status every 8 hr is not an appropriate action for the nurse to implement, because it is not frequent enough. The nurse should monitor the client's respiratory status every 1 to 2 hr, or more often if indicated, to detect signs of pulmonary edema or respiratory depression.
Choice D reason: Ensuring that calcium gluconate is readily available is an appropriate action for the nurse to implement, because it is the antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity. The nurse should have calcium gluconate on hand and know how to administer it in case of an emergency.
Choice E reason: Administering magnesium sulfate IV is an appropriate action for the nurse to implement, because it is the drug of choice for preventing and treating seizures in clients with severe gestational hypertension. The nurse should follow the protocol for magnesium sulfate administration and monitor the client's vital signs, urine output, reflexes, and serum magnesium levels.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This statement is insensitive and dismissive, as it implies that the client's feelings are not valid or important. The nurse should not minimize the client's disappointment or guilt, but rather acknowledge and respect them.
Choice B reason: This statement is inaccurate and irrelevant, as it does not address the client's emotional needs or concerns. The nurse should not give false or misleading information, or focus on the physical aspects of recovery, but rather provide emotional support and education.
Choice C reason: This statement is presumptuous and unrealistic, as it assumes that the client wants or can have another pregnancy, and that a vaginal delivery is possible or preferable. The nurse should not make assumptions or promises, or compare different modes of delivery, but rather explore the client's feelings and expectations.
Choice D reason: This statement is empathetic and respectful, as it reflects the client's feelings and validates them. The nurse should use active listening and therapeutic communication skills, such as open-ended questions, clarifications, and summarizations, to help the client cope and express her emotions.
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