A nurse is contributing to an in-service for newly licensed nurses about situations requiring an incident report.
Which of the following examples should the nurse include?

The correct answer is choice B and C.

Choice A rationale:

Cervical insufficiency is a condition where the cervix begins to shorten and open too early during pregnancy, leading to premature birth or loss of an otherwise healthy pregnancy. However, the client’s symptoms do not indicate cervical insufficiency. There are no reports of lower abdominal pressure, mild pelvic cramps, or a change in vaginal discharge, which are common symptoms of cervical insufficiency.

Choice B rationale:

The client’s severe headache unrelieved by acetaminophen, +3 pitting edema in bilateral lower extremities, and hyperactive reflexes (patellar reflex 4+) are indicative of severe preeclampsia. One of the complications of severe preeclampsia is seizures, also known as eclampsia. Therefore, the client is at risk for developing seizures.

Choice C rationale:

Placental abruption is a serious pregnancy complication in which the placenta detaches from the uterus prematurely. The client’s report of decreased fetal movement could be a sign of placental abruption. In addition, severe preeclampsia can increase the risk of placental abruption. Therefore, the client is at risk for developing placental abruption.

Choice D rationale:

Heart failure occurs when the heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. While preeclampsia can eventually affect many organ systems including the cardiovascular system, there are no immediate signs of heart failure in the client’s symptoms.

Choice E rationale:

Hypoglycemia refers to low blood sugar levels. The client’s symptoms do not suggest hypoglycemia. Symptoms of hypoglycemia typically include confusion, dizziness, feeling shaky, hunger, headaches, irritability, pounding heart or irregular heartbeat, sweating, trembling or tremors, and weakness. In conclusion, based on the client’s symptoms and clinical presentation, she is at greatest risk for developing seizures (Choice B) and placental abruption (Choice C) due to severe preeclampsia.

Choice A rationale:

Inquiring about the client's bedtime routine is the nurse's priority because it directly addresses the client's reported problem of insomnia due to increased stress. Understanding the client's routine can help identify factors contributing to sleep difficulties and guide the development of an appropriate plan of care.

Choice B rationale:

Recommending that the client go for a walk every morning may be a helpful intervention, but it does not directly address the client's immediate concern of insomnia. It's important to first assess the client's current situation and then provide tailored interventions.

Choice C rationale:

Instructing the client to turn off the television before bedtime is a good sleep hygiene practice, but it may not be the priority when the client is experiencing acute insomnia due to increased stress. The nurse should first gather information about the client's specific situation.

Choice D rationale:

Encouraging the client to listen to soft music at the onset of stress is a useful relaxation technique, but it may not be the priority in this case. The nurse should focus on addressing the client's insomnia by identifying contributing factors and implementing appropriate interventions.