A nurse observes a client who is at 37 weeks of gestation and has preeclampsia with severe features having a seizure. Which of the following actions following the seizure should the nurse take first?

Rationale:

A. Palpate the uterus for contractions: Assessing uterine activity is important after a seizure to monitor for labor or fetal compromise, but it does not address the immediate risk of maternal hypoxia following a seizure. This assessment can be performed after ensuring adequate oxygenation.

B. Administer oxygen 10 L/min via nonrebreather mask: After a seizure, the client is at risk for hypoxia due to apnea or increased oxygen demand. Administering high-flow oxygen is the priority action to restore oxygenation, support maternal and fetal perfusion, and prevent further complications.

C. Observe for post-convulsion incontinence: Monitoring for incontinence helps assess seizure severity and patient safety, but it does not immediately correct the critical issue of hypoxia. Observation is secondary to interventions that maintain airway and oxygenation.

D. Provide a quiet environment: Reducing stimuli can help prevent additional seizures or stress, but it is not the first priority after a seizure. Ensuring airway patency and oxygen delivery takes precedence over environmental modifications.

Rationale:

A. Fidelity: Fidelity refers to being faithful to commitments and maintaining trust in professional relationships. While important in nursing, it does not specifically relate to equitable distribution of community resources.

B. Autonomy: Autonomy emphasizes respecting an individual’s right to make informed decisions about their own care. Planning a program to ensure equal access addresses fairness, not individual decision-making.

C. Justice: Justice involves fairness in the distribution of resources, benefits, and risks. By ensuring prenatal resources are equally available to all community members, the nurse is practicing the ethical principle of justice and promoting equity in healthcare access.

D. Nonmaleficence: Nonmaleficence focuses on preventing harm to clients. While relevant to all nursing practice, it is not the primary principle guiding equitable allocation of prenatal resources in the community.