A woman hospitalized with severe preeclampsia is being treated with hydralazine to control blood pressure. Which finding would lead the nurse to suspect that the client is having an adverse effect associated with this drug?
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Sweating
Tachycardia
Blurred vision
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because gastrointestinal bleeding is not an adverse effect of hydralazine, which is a vasodilator that lowers blood pressure by relaxing the smooth muscles of the blood vessels. Gastrointestinal bleeding can be caused by other conditions such as ulcers, gastritis, or hemorrhoids.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because sweating is not an adverse effect of hydralazine, but a normal response to vasodilation and heat loss. Sweating can also be caused by other factors such as fever, anxiety, or exercise.
Choice C Reason: This is correct because tachycardia is an adverse effect of hydralazine, which can occur as a reflex response to vasodilation and hypotension. Tachycardia can increase the cardiac workload and oxygen demand, which can be harmful for pregnant women with preeclampsia who already have impaired placental perfusion and fetal hypoxia.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because blurred vision is not an adverse effect of hydralazine, but a symptom of severe preeclampsia that indicates cerebral edema or ischemia. Blurred vision can also be caused by other conditions such as diabetes, glaucoma, or cataracts.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This option is incorrect because it underestimates the number of pregnancies (gravida) and overestimates the number of preterm births (preterm). The client has had four pregnancies (twins count as one pregnancy), not three. The client has had one preterm birth (the twins), not two.
Choice B Reason: This option is correct because it accurately reflects the client's obstetric history. GTPAL stands for Gravida, Term, Preterm, Abortions, and Living children. Gravida is the number of pregnancies a woman has had, regardless of outcome. Term is the number of pregnancies that ended at or beyond 37 weeks gestation. Preterm is the number of pregnancies that ended between 20 and 36 weeks gestation. Abortions are the number of pregnancies that ended before 20 weeks gestation, either spontaneously or induced. Living children are the number of children who are alive at present.
The client has had four pregnancies (gravida), one term birth (the son), one preterm birth (the twins), one abortion (the miscarriage), and three living children (the twins and the son).
Choice C Reason: This option is incorrect because it overestimates the number of preterm births (preterm) and underestimates the number of living children (living). The client has had one preterm birth (the twins), not two. The client has three living children (the twins and the son), not one.
Choice D Reason: This option is incorrect because it underestimates the number of pregnancies (gravida) and overestimates the number of abortions (abortions) and preterm births (preterm). The client has had four pregnancies (twins count as one pregnancy), not three. The client has had one abortion (the miscarriage), not two. The client has had one preterm birth (the twins), not two.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: A clear liquid diet is not appropriate for a client with hyperemesis gravidarum, which is a severe form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and weight loss. A clear liquid diet does not provide adequate calories, protein, vitamins, or minerals for the client and the fetus.
Choice B: Administration of diethylstilbestrol is not indicated for a client with hyperemesis gravidarum. Diethylstilbestrol is a synthetic estrogen that was used in the past to prevent miscarriage and premature birth, but it was found to cause serious adverse effects such as vaginal cancer, infertility, and birth defects in the offspring.
Choice C: Total parenteral nutrition is the correct choice because it provides a complete and balanced source of nutrients through a central venous catheter. It is used for clients who cannot tolerate oral or enteral feeding due to severe gastrointestinal disorders such as hyperemesis gravidarum. It helps to prevent malnutrition, dehydration, and ketosis in the client and the fetus.
Choice D: Nothing by mouth is not a suitable option for a client with hyperemesis gravidarum. It can worsen the condition by causing starvation, acidosis, and ketosis. It can also increase the risk of aspiration pneumonia if the client vomits.
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