A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who had preeclampsia and delivered a healthy baby at 38 weeks of gestation.
Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
Report any headache that is not relieved by acetaminophen
Expect some vaginal bleeding for up to 6 weeks postpartum
Resume sexual activity as soon as you feel comfortable
Drink at least 3 liters of fluid per day to prevent dehydration
The Correct Answer is A
Report any headache that is not relieved by acetaminophen. This is because a headache that persists despite taking pain medication can be a sign of increased blood pressure or brain swelling, which are serious complications of preeclampsia.
Choice B is wrong because some vaginal bleeding for up to 6 weeks postpartum is normal and expected for any woman who has given birth, regardless of whether she had preeclampsia or not.
Choice C is wrong because resuming sexual activity as soon as you feel comfortable is also a normal recommendation for any woman who has given birth, unless there are other medical reasons to avoid it.
Choice D is wrong because drinking at least 3 liters of fluid per day to prevent dehydration is not necessary for a woman who had preeclampsia. In fact, drinking too much fluid can worsen the swelling and fluid retention that are common in preeclampsia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Deep tendon reflexes.
The nurse should monitor the client’s deep tendon reflexes to assess for signs of magnesium toxicity, which can cause respiratory depression, cardiac arrest, and coma.Magnesium sulfate is given to prevent seizures in clients with severe preeclampsia, but it can also have adverse effects on the neuromuscular system.
Choice A is wrong because blood pressure is not the most important assessment for a client receiving magnesium sulfate.
Blood pressure is a manifestation of preeclampsia, but it does not indicate magnesium toxicity.
Choice B is wrong because urine output is not the most important assessment for a client receiving magnesium sulfate.
Urine output should be at least 25 to 30 mL/hr to promote adequate excretion of magnesium, but it does not reflect the level of magnesium in the blood.
Choice D is wrong because fetal heart rate is not the most important assessment for a client receiving magnesium sulfate.
Fetal heart rate is important to monitor for signs of fetal distress, but it does not indicate maternal magnesium toxicity.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This is because bed rest can lower blood pressure and improve blood flow to the placenta and the fetus.The left lateral position reduces pressure on the inferior vena cava, a large vein that carries blood from the lower body to the heart.
Choice A is wrong because magnesium sulfate is used to prevent seizures in severe preeclampsia or eclampsia, not mild preeclampsia.
Choice B is wrong because monitoring the fetal heart rate and movement is important, but not the priority for this client.
Choice D is wrong because educating the client about the signs of eclampsia is not urgent and may not prevent the progression of preeclampsia.Some signs of eclampsia are severe headaches, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and seizures.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today