Assessment of a pregnant woman reveals oligohydramnios. The nurse would be alert for the development of which condition?

Choice A Reason: Preeclampsia is a condition in which a pregnant woman develops high blood pressure and proteinuria (protein in the urine). It can lead to serious complications such as eclampsia, which is seizures caused by preeclampsia, and HELLP syndrome, which is hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets. The main risk factor for preeclampsia is chronic hypertension, which means high blood pressure before pregnancy or before 20 weeks of gestation. Preeclampsia can be detected by measuring the blood pressure and urine protein level. Uric acid is not a reliable indicator of preeclampsia.

Choice B Reason: Gestational diabetes is the correct answer as explained above.

Choice C Reason: Eclampsia is a severe complication of preeclampsia that causes seizures and can be fatal for both the mother and the baby. It usually occurs after 20 weeks of gestation or during labor or postpartum. The main risk factor for eclampsia is preeclampsia, which means high blood pressure and proteinuria during pregnancy. Eclampsia can be prevented by treating preeclampsia with antihypertensive drugs and magnesium sulfate, which is a medication that prevents seizures. Magnesium sulfate can also lower the serum magnesium level, which is the amount of magnesium in the blood. However, magnesium level is not a diagnostic criterion for eclampsia.

Choice D Reason: Placenta previa is a condition in which the placenta covers part or all of the opening of the cervix. It can cause bleeding during pregnancy or delivery and can endanger both the mother and the baby. The main risk factor for placenta previa is previous cesarean section or other uterine surgery, which can cause scarring or damage to the uterine wall. Placenta previa can be detected by ultrasound, which is an imaging test that uses sound waves to create pictures of the uterus and placenta. Hemoglobin is not a relevant factor for placenta previa. Gestational diabetes is a condition in which a woman develops high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. It can cause complications for both the mother and the baby, such as macrosomia, hypoglycemia, and birth trauma. The main risk factor for gestational diabetes is glucose intolerance, which means the body cannot use glucose effectively. Glucose intolerance can be detected by measuring the serum glucose level, which is the amount of glucose in the blood.

Choice A Reason: This option is incorrect because it is unrealistic and impractical to eliminate anxiety completely. Anxiety is a normal and natural response to pregnancy and childbirth, and it can have both positive and negative effects on the outcome. Anxiety can motivate women and their partners to seek information and care, but it can also interfere with their ability to relax and cope with pain. Perinatal education can help them manage their anxiety by providing accurate information, reassurance, and coping strategies.

Choice B Reason: This option is incorrect because it implies that the couple has no control over their pregnancy and birth unless they are empowered by perinatal education. While perinatal education can enhance their sense of control and autonomy, it is not the only factor that influences their experience. Pregnancy and birth are complex and dynamic processes that involve many factors beyond their control, such as biological, environmental, social, and cultural factors. Perinatal education can help them adapt to these factors and collaborate with their health care providers.

Choice C Reason: Perinatal education is a process of providing information and support to pregnant women and their partners before, during, and after childbirth. The main goal of perinatal education is to help them prepare for a positive birth experience, which can have lasting benefits for their physical and emotional health, as well as their relationship with their baby. Perinatal education can also help them make informed decisions about their care and preferences, and cope with any challenges or complications that may arise.

Choice D Reason: This option is incorrect because it is too narrow and limited in scope. Providing knowledge and skills that will help them cope with labor is an important aspect of perinatal education, but it is not the primary goal. Labor is only one stage of childbirth, and perinatal education covers a broader range of topics that are relevant for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Moreover, coping with labor is not the only outcome that matters for a positive birth experience. Perinatal education can also help them achieve other outcomes, such as satisfaction, empowerment, bonding, and well-being.