The nurse is caring for a woman who is at 24 weeks of gestation with suspected severe preeclampsia. Which signs and symptoms would the nurse expect to observe? (Select all that apply)
Seizure activity and hypotension
Platelet count of less than 100,000/mm3 and visual problems
Ankle clonus and epigastric pain
Decreased urinary output and irritability
Correct Answer : B,C,D
Choice A reason: Seizure activity and hypotension are not signs and symptoms of severe preeclampsia, but rather of eclampsia, which is a life-threatening complication of preeclampsia. Eclampsia is characterized by convulsions and coma, and it requires immediate treatment to prevent maternal and fetal death.
Choice B reason: Platelet count of less than 100,000/mm3 and visual problems are signs and symptoms of severe preeclampsia, as they indicate hematologic and neurologic complications. Severe preeclampsia can cause thrombocytopenia, which is a low platelet count that increases the risk of bleeding. It can also cause cerebral edema, which can impair the vision and cause blurred vision, spots, or flashes of light.
Choice C reason: Ankle clonus and epigastric pain are signs and symptoms of severe preeclampsia, as they indicate neuromuscular and hepatic complications. Severe preeclampsia can cause hyperreflexia, which is an exaggerated reflex response that can be elicited by dorsiflexing the ankle and observing rhythmic jerking of the foot. It can also cause liver damage, which can manifest as epigastric pain or right upper quadrant pain.
Choice D reason: Decreased urinary output and irritability are signs and symptoms of severe preeclampsia, as they indicate renal and central nervous system complications. Severe preeclampsia can cause oliguria, which is a reduced urine output of less than 500 mL in 24 hours. It can also cause increased intracranial pressure, which can affect the mood and behavior and cause irritability, anxiety, or confusion.
Choice E reason: Transient headache and +1 proteinuria are not signs and symptoms of severe preeclampsia, but rather of mild preeclampsia, which is a less severe form of the condition. Mild preeclampsia is characterized by blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg or higher, proteinuria of 1+ or higher, and mild edema. It does not cause severe complications or organ damage, but it can progress to severe preeclampsia if not treated.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Penicillin is not a correct option, as it is not effective against chlamydia. Penicillin is an antibiotic that works by inhibiting the cell wall synthesis of bacteria. However, chlamydia is an intracellular bacterium that does not have a cell wall and is resistant to penicillin.
Choice B reason: Acyclovir is not a correct option, as it is not effective against chlamydia. Acyclovir is an antiviral drug that works by inhibiting the DNA synthesis of viruses. However, chlamydia is a bacterium, not a virus, and is not affected by acyclovir².
Choice C reason: Doxycycline is the correct option, as it is one of the recommended medications for the treatment of chlamydia. Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that works by inhibiting the protein synthesis of bacteria. It can penetrate the cells and kill chlamydia by interfering with its growth and reproduction. The CDC recommends a 7-day course of doxycycline (100 mg orally twice a day) for the treatment of uncomplicated chlamydia infection.
Choice D reason: Podofilox is not a correct option, as it is not effective against chlamydia. Podofilox is a topical medication that works by destroying the tissue of genital warts caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). However, chlamydia is a different infection that does not cause genital warts and is not treated by podofilox.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Genetic changes and anomalies are not the most dangerous effect, as they are rare and not directly caused by smoking. Smoking can increase the risk of some birth defects, such as cleft lip and cleft palate, but these are not genetic changes and can be corrected by surgery. Smoking can also cause chromosomal abnormalities in the eggs, but these usually result in miscarriage or stillbirth, not live births.
Choice B reason:Maternal smoking is a significant risk factor for intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Nicotine and carbon monoxide from cigarettes reduce oxygen supply to the fetus, leading to lower birth weights and smaller body lengths.
Choice C reason: Fetal addiction to the substance inhaled is not the most dangerous effect, as it is not permanent and can be treated by medication and supportive care. Smoking can expose the fetus to nicotine, carbon monoxide, and other harmful chemicals, which can cross the placenta and affect the fetal brain and nervous system. Smoking can also cause withdrawal symptoms in the newborn, such as irritability, tremors, and difficulty feeding.
Choice D reason:Although prenatal exposure to smoking can affect neurodevelopment and is associated with behavioral issues, extensive central nervous system damage is not the most immediate or dangerous effect. The most critical concern remains intrauterine growth restriction.
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