Prior to administering pain medication to an adult postoperative client, what information should the practical nurse (PN) obtain? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A rationale:

Blood pressure is a crucial parameter to monitor in a pregnant woman. A significant increase in blood pressure could indicate a condition called preeclampsia, which is characterized by high blood pressure and damage to another organ system, often the liver and kidneys. Preeclampsia usually begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy in women whose blood pressure had been normal. Left untreated, preeclampsia can lead to serious — even fatal — complications for both mother and baby.

Choice B rationale:

While the respiratory rate is an important vital sign, it does not directly indicate a prenatal complication in this context. Normal respiratory rates for an adult range from 12 to 20 breaths per minute. Changes could indicate a respiratory problem but not specifically a prenatal complication.

Choice C rationale:

Gravida/parity is a standard way to denote a woman's reproductive history but does not indicate a prenatal complication. Gravida refers to the number of times a woman has been pregnant, regardless of the outcome, while parity refers to the number of pregnancies carried past 20 weeks, regardless of whether they were born alive or stillborn.

Choice D rationale:

Decreased fetal activity can be a sign of distress in the fetus. It could indicate complications such as poor oxygenation or other conditions that could affect the health of the baby. It's important for pregnant women to monitor their baby's movements daily after 28 weeks.

Choice E rationale:

A severe headache unrelieved by acetaminophen in a pregnant woman could be a sign of preeclampsia, especially when accompanied by other symptoms such as high blood pressure and changes in vision. This should be evaluated immediately.

Choice F rationale:

Urine ketones are usually checked in pregnant women who have symptoms of a condition called ketoacidosis, which is often seen in women with gestational diabetes. However, this condition is not indicated in this scenario.

Choice G rationale:

Protein in the urine is another potential sign of preeclampsia. It's caused by kidney problems resulting from the high blood pressure. In normal conditions, protein should not be present in urine or should be very low.

Peer-reviewed journal articles undergo a rigorous review process by experts in the field before being published. This process ensures that the information presented is based on sound research methods, accurate data, and relevant evidence. Journal articles are considered reliable sources of information as they are reviewed by experts in the field, and the research findings can contribute to evidence-based practice.

First-hand experience with wound care products: While personal experience can be valuable, it may not always reflect the most up-to-date or evidence-based practices. Individual experiences can be subjective and may not have been subject to rigorous evaluation or research.

Information from a wound care product vendor: Information from a vendor may be biased and focused on promoting their own products. It is important to critically evaluate the information and consider whether it is supported by evidence and aligns with current best practices.

An entry on a nursing blog addressing wound healing: Blog entries can vary in quality and credibility. Not all blogs are written or reviewed by experts, and the information provided may not always be evidence-based or reliable. It is important to critically assess the source, author's qualifications, and references cited in the blog post.