A nurse is preparing to administer antihypertensive therapy to a client with severe pre-eclampsia.
Which of the following blood pressure readings is the target goal for this client?
<140/90 mmHg
<150/100 mmHg
<160/110 mmHg
<170/120 mmHg
The Correct Answer is C
The target blood pressure goal for a client with severe pre-eclampsia is less than 160/110 mmHg.
This is because lowering the blood pressure too much or too fast can compromise the placental perfusion and fetal oxygenation.
Choice A is wrong because it is the target blood pressure goal for a client with chronic hypertension or gestational hypertension without severe features.
Choice B is wrong because it is the target blood pressure goal for a client with mild pre-eclampsia.
Choice D is wrong because it is too high and can increase the risk of maternal and fetal complications such as stroke, eclampsia, placental abruption, and fetal growth restriction.
Normal blood pressure ranges are less than 120/80 mmHg for systolic and diastolic pressures respectively.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) indicates hemolysis, which is one of the components of HELLP syndrome.Hemolysis is the destruction of red blood cells that occurs when they pass through damaged blood vessels.
Choice A is wrong because elevated serum creatinine indicates kidney dysfunction, which is not specific for hemolysis.
Choice C is wrong because elevated serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) indicates liver damage, which is another component of HELLP syndrome, but not specific for hemolysis.
Choice D is wrong because elevated serum uric acid indicates increased purine metabolism, which can be associated with preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome, but not specific for hemolysis.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
“This medication will help my baby’s lungs develop faster.” Corticosteroid therapy is given to pregnant clients with eclampsia to accelerate fetal lung maturity and reduce the risk of respiratory distress syndrome in the newborn.
Some possible explanations for the other choices are:
• Choice A is wrong because corticosteroids do not lower blood pressure.Antihypertensive drugs such as hydralazine or labetalol are used to treat hypertension in eclampsia.
• Choice B is wrong because corticosteroids do not prevent seizures.Magnesium sulfate is the drug of choice for seizure prophylaxis and treatment in eclampsia.
• Choice D is wrong because corticosteroids do not reduce inflammation in the body.They may have anti-inflammatory effects in some conditions, but their main purpose in eclampsia is to enhance fetal lung development.
Normal ranges for blood pressure and proteinuria in pregnancy are:
• Blood pressure: less than 140/90 mm Hg
• Proteinuria: less than 300 mg/24 hours or less than 1+ on dipstick
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