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?

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.

Choice A rationale

Gravida 4 para 3 indicates a history of multiple pregnancies and deliveries, which can increase the risk of uterine atony, postpartum hemorrhage, and placental issues. This client’s obstetric history makes her high-risk due to potential complications associated with multiparity.

Choice B rationale

A fetal heart rate of 136 to 142 beats/minute is within the normal range for a fetus, indicating good fetal well-being. This data point does not place the client at increased risk.

Choice C rationale

Variable decelerations to 120 beats/minute lasting 20 seconds suggest umbilical cord compression, which can lead to fetal hypoxia if persistent and untreated. Variable decelerations are an indicator of potential fetal distress, making this a significant risk factor.

Choice D rationale

A gestation of 37-weeks, 1-day is considered term, and while there may be some risks associated with early-term delivery, this data point alone does not significantly increase risk in a low-risk pregnancy.

Choice E rationale

A pain rating of 5 on a 0 to 10 pain scale with each contraction is indicative of moderate pain, which is expected during labor. Pain severity alone does not increase the client's risk for complications.

Choice F rationale

A vaginal exam showing 4 cm dilation, 50% effacement, and -3 station indicates early labor. However, the -3 station suggests that the fetus is still high in the pelvis, which can be a concern if there is prolonged labor or failure to progress.

Choice G rationale

Contractions every 3 to 4 minutes, moderate to palpation, are consistent with active labor and are not indicative of an increased risk for complications in this context.

Choice H rationale

An A-blood type and receiving Rh(D) immune globulin address Rh incompatibility and prevention of hemolytic disease in the newborn. This data point does not place the client at increased risk.