During a prenatal visit, a client at 30 weeks gestation reports persistent heartburn during the past two weeks.
The nurse notes the client has 3+ bilateral, pitting, pedal edema.
Which action should the nurse implement?
Explain that heartburn is a common discomfort.
Ask if blurred vision and headache have occurred.
Check urine for presence of glucose and ketones.
Instruct the client to take an antacid as needed.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
While heartburn is common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and pressure from the growing uterus, the presence of 3+ bilateral pitting pedal edema raises concerns. This symptom could indicate a more serious condition, such as preeclampsia, and should not be dismissed as a normal discomfort.
Choice B rationale
Asking if blurred vision and headache have occurred is essential because these symptoms, along with significant edema, are indicators of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and damage to other organ systems, often requiring immediate medical attention.
Choice C rationale
Checking urine for glucose and ketones is relevant for assessing gestational diabetes but does not address the immediate concern of preeclampsia. The symptoms of edema and possible preeclampsia should be prioritized over concerns of gestational diabetes.
Choice D rationale
Instructing the client to take an antacid for heartburn does not address the critical issue of significant edema. While heartburn relief is important, the symptoms of edema need immediate evaluation to rule out preeclampsia or other complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["6"]
Explanation
Step 1 is: Determine the oxytocin concentration in milliunits per mL:. 20,000 milliunits ÷ 1,000 mL = 20 milliunits/mL.
Step 2 is: Calculate the flow rate in mL/hour:. 2 milliunits/min ÷ 20 milliunits/mL × 60 min/hour = 6 mL/hour.
Final answer: 6.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E","G"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Increasing IV fluids is a critical intervention to maintain maternal hemodynamic stability and prevent complications related to fluid imbalance. It helps support blood pressure and overall fluid status during labor and delivery.
Choice B rationale
While obtaining blood pressure is important for monitoring maternal status, it is not an immediate intervention compared to others listed. Blood pressure monitoring is part of routine assessment but not an emergency action.
Choice C rationale
Stopping the infusion of magnesium is essential if there are signs of magnesium toxicity or adverse effects. Magnesium can impact respiratory and cardiac function, so stopping the infusion is a priority.
Choice D rationale
Administering oxygen is an immediate intervention to ensure adequate oxygenation for both the mother and the fetus. It is crucial during labor and delivery to prevent hypoxia and related complications.
Choice E rationale
Obtaining serum magnesium level is necessary to assess for magnesium toxicity and guide further interventions. It provides important information on the mother's magnesium status and helps in making clinical decisions.
Choice F rationale
Preparing for a cesarean delivery is not an immediate intervention unless there are specific indications for surgical delivery. It should be based on clinical findings and maternal-fetal status.
Choice G rationale
Administering calcium gluconate is the antidote for magnesium toxicity and is an immediate intervention if signs of toxicity are present. It helps counteract the effects of excessive magnesium.
Choice H rationale
Preparing to prevent respiratory or cardiac arrest is a critical intervention in severe cases of magnesium toxicity, but it should be part of a broader emergency management plan rather than an immediate action. .
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