Based on the clients assessment on 2/11 at 1200, indicate if the client's condition is improving, worsening or not related based on the condition.
Deep tendon reflexes (DTR)
Creatinine
client denies pain
Vaginal exam
Blood pressure
Decreased sensation in legs
The Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"B"},"B":{"answers":"B"},"C":{"answers":"C"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"A"},"F":{"answers":"C"}}
A. Deep tendon reflexes (DTR) – Worsening
On 2/10, the client had hyperreflexia (DTRs 3+) and no clonus. By 2/11, the DTRs had increased to 4+ with positive clonus, indicating neuromuscular hyperexcitability, a hallmark of worsening preeclampsia with severe features. Clonus is a concerning sign that suggests progression toward eclampsia (seizures). This indicates neurological worsening.
B. Creatinine – Worsening
The client's creatinine level increased from 1.4 mg/dL (already elevated) to 2.0 mg/dL, which is indicative of worsening renal function. Normal pregnancy should not cause a creatinine rise above 1.1 mg/dL, so this elevation suggests renal impairment due to severe preeclampsia. The worsening creatinine level indicates deteriorating kidney function, possibly due to reduced renal perfusion.
C. Client denies pain – Unrelated
The absence of pain is not directly related to the client’s condition worsening or improving. While pain can be a symptom of severe preeclampsia (such as epigastric pain from liver involvement), the client currently has an epidural, which can explain the lack of pain perception. The denial of pain does not indicate improvement in the disease process but rather effective pain management.
D. Vaginal exam – Improvement
The vaginal exam findings indicate progress in labor. On 2/10, the client was not noted to be in active labor, but by 2/11, she was 7 cm dilated, 80% effaced, and at 0 station, with contractions increasing in frequency and intensity. This progression suggests that labor is advancing appropriately.
E. Blood pressure – Worsening
The client’s blood pressure was severely elevated on 2/10 (168/100 mmHg) and remained high on 2/11 (152/86 mmHg). While slightly lower, the diastolic remains elevated, and systolic pressures are still high. Given the worsening DTRs, renal function decline, and elevated liver enzymes, the blood pressure changes are not a sign of improvement but rather persistent hypertension despite possible interventions.
F. Decreased sensation in legs – Unrelated
The client received an epidural for pain relief, which normally causes decreased sensation in the lower extremities. This finding is not related to worsening preeclampsia or labor progression but is an expected effect of the epidural anesthesia. The client’s ability to slightly move her legs confirms that the block is working properly.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Retained placental fragments
This is incorrect because retained placental fragments are more commonly associated with prolonged third-stage labor or incomplete placental expulsion, rather than fetal macrosomia.
B. Uterine atony
This is correct because a large baby (macrosomia) causes overdistension of the uterus, increasing the risk of uterine atony (failure of the uterus to contract effectively). This can lead to postpartum hemorrhage.
C. Puerperal infection
This is incorrect because puerperal infection is usually related to prolonged rupture of membranes, poor hygiene, or invasive procedures, rather than fetal size alone.
D. Thrombophlebitis
While pregnancy increases the risk of clot formation, the most immediate concern for this client is uterine atony and postpartum hemorrhage.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Fetal heart rate (FHR): While FHR monitoring is important, the priority is assessing the mother's respiratory status due to the risk of magnesium toxicity, which can lead to respiratory depression.
B. Bowel sounds: Magnesium sulfate can cause decreased gastrointestinal motility, but bowel sounds are not the immediate priority. The nurse should monitor for paralytic ileus, but respiratory function takes precedence.
C. Respiratory rate: Magnesium sulfate is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant that can cause respiratory depression if levels become too high. A respiratory rate below 12 breaths per minute is a sign of magnesium toxicity, requiring immediate intervention (e.g., stopping the infusion and administering calcium gluconate).
D. Temperature: Temperature is not directly affected by magnesium sulfate administration, making it a lower-priority assessment compared to respiratory rate.
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