The nurse has reviewed the Vital Signs at 1000.

Which of the following statements should the nurse include when reinforcing teaching to the client following the procedure? Select all that apply.

• Urine protein: The presence of 3+ proteinuria is a significant finding suggestive of preeclampsia. Protein in the urine indicates renal involvement due to endothelial dysfunction, which is a hallmark complication in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and needs immediate attention.
• Respiratory rate: A respiratory rate of 16/min falls within the normal adult range of 12 to 20 breaths per minute. There is no evidence of respiratory distress, tachypnea, or bradypnea, so this finding does not suggest a prenatal complication.
• Gravida/parity: Although the client has a history of one preterm birth, gravida and parity alone are not indicators of a current prenatal complication. It is important background information but does not point directly to an acute complication at this time.
• Urine ketones: The absence of ketones in the urine is a normal finding. If ketones were present, it could suggest dehydration, starvation, or uncontrolled diabetes, but since they are negative, ketones are not a concern for prenatal complication here.
• Headache: A severe headache unrelieved by acetaminophen in a pregnant woman can signal worsening hypertension or preeclampsia. Persistent headaches are a concerning symptom that warrants immediate evaluation and management to prevent maternal and fetal harm.
• Fetal activity: Decreased fetal movement is a worrisome sign of possible fetal compromise, such as hypoxia or placental insufficiency. Reduced movements require further fetal assessment and monitoring to ensure fetal well-being.
• Blood pressure: A blood pressure reading of 162/112 mm Hg is severely elevated and meets the diagnostic criteria for severe preeclampsia. Uncontrolled hypertension during pregnancy places both the mother and fetus at significant risk for serious complications.

A. Decreased bowel sounds: Decreased bowel sounds are often associated with conditions like ileus, abdominal surgery, or bowel obstruction, rather than directly indicating fluid volume excess. Fluid overload typically affects the cardiovascular and respiratory systems first.

B. Urine output of 360 mL/12 hr: While this is a low urine output and could suggest dehydration or renal impairment, it is more indicative of fluid volume deficit rather than fluid volume excess. Excess fluid volume would generally be associated with adequate or increased urine output if renal function is normal.

C. Blood pressure of 100/74 mm Hg: This blood pressure reading is within normal limits for many adults and does not specifically suggest fluid overload. In cases of fluid volume excess, a client might actually exhibit elevated blood pressure due to increased circulatory volume.

D. Distended neck veins: Distended neck veins, also known as jugular venous distention, are a classic sign of fluid volume excess. They occur because increased intravascular volume causes elevated venous pressure, which becomes visible in the neck veins when the client is positioned at a 30- to 45-degree angle.