A nurse is providing care for a patient who is at 34 weeks of gestation. The nurse is reviewing the patient’s electronic medical record to develop a plan of care. Which condition is the patient most likely experiencing, what are two actions the nurse should take to address that condition, and what are two parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the patient’s progress?
Preeclampsia, initiate seizure precautions, monitor neurological status and liver function studies.
Hypertension, prepare for bed rest, monitor blood pressure and heart rate.
Gestational diabetes, administer insulin, monitor blood glucose levels and fetal heart rate.
Preterm labor, administer tocolytics, monitor contraction pattern and cervical dilation.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Preeclampsia is a condition that can occur during pregnancy, characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, often the liver and kidneys. If a patient is experiencing preeclampsia, the nurse should initiate seizure precautions, as seizures can occur in severe cases. The nurse should also monitor the patient’s neurological status and liver function studies, as these can be affected by preeclampsia.
Choice B rationale
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can occur during pregnancy, but the actions listed do not fully address the condition. While bed rest was once commonly recommended for high blood pressure during pregnancy, research has not shown it to be effective. Monitoring blood pressure and heart rate is important, but other interventions, such as medication, may also be necessary.
Choice C rationale
Gestational diabetes is a condition characterized by high blood sugar that develops during pregnancy. Insulin may be administered to help control blood glucose levels. The nurse should monitor blood glucose levels and fetal heart rate, as gestational diabetes can affect both the mother and the baby. However, the condition the patient is most likely experiencing, given the gestational age and symptoms, is preeclampsia.
Choice D rationale
Preterm labor refers to labor that begins before the 37th week of pregnancy. Tocolytics may be administered to slow or stop contractions. The nurse should monitor the contraction pattern and cervical dilation to assess for progression of labor. However, the condition the patient is most likely experiencing, given the gestational age and symptoms, is preeclampsia.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]
Explanation
The correct answers are Choices C, D, and E.
Choice A rationale
Fetal neck translucency is not typically evaluated during a biophysical profile. It is usually assessed during a first trimester ultrasound to screen for chromosomal abnormalities.
Choice B rationale
Fetal gender is not typically evaluated during a biophysical profile. The focus of a biophysical profile is on assessing the health and well-being of the fetus.
Choice C rationale
Fetal motion is one of the aspects evaluated during a biophysical profile. It is assessed to determine the activity level of the fetus.
Choice D rationale
Fetal breathing is one of the aspects evaluated during a biophysical profile. It is assessed to determine the respiratory function of the fetus.
Choice E rationale
Amniotic fluid volume is one of the aspects evaluated during a biophysical profile. It is assessed to determine the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Assessing deep tendon reflexes every hour is a common practice in managing severe preeclampsia. Hyperreflexia can be a sign of worsening pre-eclampsia.
Choice B rationale
Continuous fetal monitoring is typically recommended for patients with severe pre-eclampsia. This allows for early detection of fetal distress.
Choice C rationale
Ambulating twice daily may not be appropriate for a patient with severe pre-eclampsia at 35 weeks of gestation. Bed rest is often recommended to help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of complications.
Choice D rationale
Obtaining a daily weight is a common practice in managing severe pre-eclampsia. Sudden weight gain can be a sign of worsening pre-eclampsia.
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