A nurse is preparing to administer hydralazine to a client with eclampsia who has a blood pressure of 180/120 mmHg.
What is the rationale for administering this medication?
To prevent cerebral edema
To reduce uterine contractions
To increase placental perfusion
To promote diuresis
The Correct Answer is C
To increase placental perfusion.
Hydralazine is an antihypertensive drug that dilates the blood vessels and lowers the blood pressure. By doing so, it improves the blood flow to the placenta and reduces the risk of fetal hypoxia and growth restriction.
Choice A is wrong because hydralazine does not prevent cerebral edema.
Cerebral edema is a complication of severe preeclampsia or eclampsia that can cause seizures, headaches, and visual disturbances. Hydralazine may lower the blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke, but it does not directly affect the brain swelling.
Choice B is wrong because hydralazine does not reduce uterine contractions.
Uterine contractions are stimulated by oxytocin and prostaglandins, which are not affected by hydralazine. Hydralazine may cause reflex tachycardia, which can increase the cardiac output and uterine blood flow, but it does not alter the uterine muscle activity.
Choice D is wrong because hydralazine does not promote diuresis.
Diuresis is the increased production of urine by the kidneys.
Hydralazine may cause fluid retention and edema by activating the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which increases sodium and water reabsorption. Hydralazine may also cause a decrease in renal perfusion and glomerular filtration rate, which can impair the kidney function and urine output.
Nursing Test Bank
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
Fetal heart rate decelerations indicate a possible compromise of fetal oxygenation and should be reported to the provider immediately.Decelerations can be caused by various factors such as cord compression, uterine hyperstimulation, maternal hypotension, or placental abruption.
Choice A is wrong because a fetal heart rate of 140 beats per minute is within the normal range of 110 to 160 beats per minute.
Choice B is wrong because uterine contractions every 10 minutes are not abnormal in a client with severe pre-eclampsia who is receiving magnesium sulfate.Magnesium sulfate is used to prevent seizures and lower blood pressure in pre-eclampsia, but it does not stop labor.
Choice D is wrong because uterine contractions lasting 60 seconds are not a sign of …
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