The nurse is caring for a client who might have a hydatidiform mole. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following findings? Choice Options:
Whitish vaginal discharge.
Excessive uterine enlargement.
Fetal heart rate irregularities.
Rapidly changing human chorionic gonadotropin levels.
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale for Choice A: Whitish vaginal discharge
While whitish vaginal discharge can occur in some cases of hydatidiform mole, it's not a specific or sensitive finding for this condition.
It can also be present in various other gynecological conditions, including normal pregnancy, infections, and hormonal imbalances.
Therefore, relying on whitish vaginal discharge alone for monitoring a potential hydatidiform mole could lead to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis.
Rationale for Choice B: Excessive uterine enlargement
Excessive uterine enlargement is a common sign of hydatidiform mole, but it's not always present and might not be detected early in the condition.
The uterus might not be significantly enlarged in early stages, and other factors like multiple pregnancies or uterine fibroids could also contribute to uterine enlargement.
Solely relying on uterine enlargement could miss cases of hydatidiform mole that haven't progressed to a noticeable degree.
Rationale for Choice C: Fetal heart rate irregularities
Fetal heart rate irregularities are not relevant in hydatidiform mole because there is no viable fetus present. Hydatidiform moles are characterized by abnormal growth of placental tissue without a normal fetus developing. Monitoring for fetal heart rate would be inappropriate and misleading in this context.
Rationale for Choice D: Rapidly changing hCG levels
This is the most accurate and reliable finding to monitor for in a suspected hydatidiform mole.
hCG is a hormone produced by the placenta, and it's typically elevated in pregnancy. However, in hydatidiform mole, hCG levels are often abnormally high and rise rapidly.
Serial hCG measurements can accurately detect and track the progression of a hydatidiform mole, even in its early stages. It's considered the gold standard for diagnosis and monitoring of this condition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice A.
Choice A rationale: The recommended weight gain for a woman with a normal BMI (18.5-24.9) during pregnancy is 25-35 pounds. This range ensures adequate nutrition for both the mother and the developing baby, supporting optimal fetal growth and maternal health.
Choice B rationale: A weight gain of 11-20 pounds is recommended for women with a high BMI (≥30) during pregnancy. This range helps minimize the risk of complications such as gestational diabetes and hypertension, but it is not applicable for a woman with a normal BMI.
Choice C rationale: While a healthy diet is crucial, specific weight gain guidelines are essential to ensure the health of both mother and baby. Weight gain recommendations are based on evidence to support optimal outcomes, making it important to follow them.
Choice D rationale: A weight gain of 15-25 pounds is recommended for women with an overweight BMI (25-29.9) during pregnancy. This range helps support fetal growth while minimizing the risk of complications, but it is not applicable for a woman with a normal BMI.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A:
While rupture of fetal membranes is a potential risk with placenta previa, it's not the primary reason to avoid a pelvic exam. If the membranes are already ruptured, a pelvic exam may be necessary to assess cervical dilation and fetal station.
However, in the absence of ruptured membranes, the risk of profound bleeding outweighs the benefits of a pelvic exam in women with placenta previa.
Choice C:
Preterm labor is a potential complication of placenta previa, but it's not directly caused by a pelvic exam. If preterm labor is suspected, a pelvic exam may be necessary to assess cervical dilation and fetal station.
However, in the absence of preterm labor signs, a pelvic exam is not routinely recommended in women with placenta previa due to the risk of bleeding.
Choice D:
Infection is a potential risk with any invasive procedure, including a pelvic exam. However, it's not a major concern in women with placenta previa compared to the risk of bleeding.
Proper sterile technique during the exam can significantly reduce the risk of infection.
Choice B:
Profound bleeding is the most significant risk associated with a pelvic exam in women with placenta previa. The placenta is located abnormally low in the uterus, covering or partially covering the cervix. Any manipulation of the cervix, such as during a pelvic exam, can disrupt the placenta's attachment and cause significant bleeding.
This bleeding can be life-threatening for both the mother and the fetus. Therefore, it's crucial to avoid pelvic exams in women with placenta previa unless there's a compelling clinical reason to perform one.
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