A nurse is preparing to provide morning hygiene care for a client who has Alzheimer's disease.
The client becomes agitated and combative when the nurse approaches him.
Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

The correct answer is choice B and C.

Choice A rationale:

Cervical insufficiency is a condition where the cervix begins to shorten and open too early during pregnancy, leading to premature birth or loss of an otherwise healthy pregnancy. However, the client’s symptoms do not indicate cervical insufficiency. There are no reports of lower abdominal pressure, mild pelvic cramps, or a change in vaginal discharge, which are common symptoms of cervical insufficiency.

Choice B rationale:

The client’s severe headache unrelieved by acetaminophen, +3 pitting edema in bilateral lower extremities, and hyperactive reflexes (patellar reflex 4+) are indicative of severe preeclampsia. One of the complications of severe preeclampsia is seizures, also known as eclampsia. Therefore, the client is at risk for developing seizures.

Choice C rationale:

Placental abruption is a serious pregnancy complication in which the placenta detaches from the uterus prematurely. The client’s report of decreased fetal movement could be a sign of placental abruption. In addition, severe preeclampsia can increase the risk of placental abruption. Therefore, the client is at risk for developing placental abruption.

Choice D rationale:

Heart failure occurs when the heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. While preeclampsia can eventually affect many organ systems including the cardiovascular system, there are no immediate signs of heart failure in the client’s symptoms.

Choice E rationale:

Hypoglycemia refers to low blood sugar levels. The client’s symptoms do not suggest hypoglycemia. Symptoms of hypoglycemia typically include confusion, dizziness, feeling shaky, hunger, headaches, irritability, pounding heart or irregular heartbeat, sweating, trembling or tremors, and weakness. In conclusion, based on the client’s symptoms and clinical presentation, she is at greatest risk for developing seizures (Choice B) and placental abruption (Choice C) due to severe preeclampsia.

Choice A rationale:

In an interprofessional team meeting for a client, it is essential to include information about changes in the client's condition or any new developments that may impact their care. The statement that "The client has developed difficulty ambulating" is relevant as it indicates a change in the client's mobility status and may require additional interventions or assessments.

Choice B rationale:

The timing of the client's next dressing change (scheduled in 4 hr) is important information but may not be the highest priority to discuss in an interprofessional team meeting. It is more pertinent to focus on the client's current condition and any changes that have occurred.

Choice C rationale:

The client's health insurance status (state-sponsored health insurance) is not typically a central topic of discussion in an interprofessional team meeting unless it directly affects the client's care plan or access to specific treatments.

Choice D rationale:

The frequency of the client's vital sign checks (every 8 hr) is important information for the healthcare team to be aware of, but it may not be the most critical piece of information to include in the interprofessional team meeting. Changes in vital signs or trends would be more relevant to discuss.