A nurse is teaching a client with eclampsia about the purpose of corticosteroid therapy.

Which of the following statements by the client indicates understanding of the teaching?

“This medication will help lower my blood pressure.”

“This medication will help prevent seizures.”

“This medication will help my baby’s lungs develop faster.”

“This medication will help reduce inflammation in my body.”

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

“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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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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.

A. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths/min B. Urine output of 50 mL/hr C. Serum magnesium level of 6 mg/dL D. Patellar reflex of 2+

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

This indicates that the client has respiratory depression, which is a sign of magnesium toxicity.Magnesium sulfate is given to prevent and treat seizures in clients with eclampsia, but it can also cause adverse effects such as hypotension, decreased urine output, absent or diminished reflexes, and cardiac arrest.

Choice B is wrong because urine output of 50 mL/hr is within the normal range and does not indicate magnesium toxicity.The nurse should monitor the client’s urine output closely and report any decrease below 30 mL/hr.

Choice C is wrong because serum magnesium level of 6 mg/dL is within the therapeutic range of 4 to 7 mg/dL for clients receiving magnesium sulfate.The nurse should monitor the client’s serum magnesium level regularly and report any increase above 8 mg/dL, which indicates toxicity.

Choice D is wrong because patellar reflex of 2+ is normal and does not indicate magnesium toxicity.The nurse should assess the client’s deep tendon reflexes frequently and report any decrease or absence of reflexes, which indicates toxicity.

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A nurse is teaching a client with eclampsia about the purpose of corticosteroid therapy. Which of the following statements by the client indicates understanding of the teaching?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client who has eclampsia and is receiving magnesium sulfate IV. Which of the following findings should alert the nurse to suspect magnesium toxicity?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is performing a non-stress test (NST) for a client who is 34 weeks pregnant and has pre-eclampsia. Which of the following fetal heart rate patterns indicates a reactive test?

A nurse is teaching a client with eclampsia about the purpose of corticosteroid therapy. Which of the following statements by the client indicates understanding of the teaching?

(select all that apply) A nurse is planning care for a client with eclampsia who is scheduled for delivery as soon as possible. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is monitoring a client with severe pre-eclampsia who is receiving magnesium sulfate intravenously. Which of the following signs indicates magnesium toxicity and requires immediate intervention?

A nurse is preparing to administer magnesium sulfate IV to a client who has severe pre-eclampsia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client with HELLP syndrome. Which of the following findings would indicate hemolysis?

A nurse is administering corticosteroids to a client with severe pre-eclampsia who is 32 weeks pregnant. What is the main purpose of giving corticosteroids to this client?

A nurse is reviewing the results of a 24-hour urine collection for a client who is 32 weeks pregnant and has suspected pre-eclampsia. Which of the following findings indicates proteinuria?

A nurse is teaching a client with eclampsia about the purpose of corticosteroid therapy.

Which of the following statements by the client indicates understanding of the teaching?