A nurse in a provider's office is caring for a 32-year-old female client who is pregnant.
Medical History:
The client is a Gravida 3 Para 2, at 32 weeks of gestation. She has a known allergy to penicillin. She is 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) tall and weighs 178 lb (80.7 kg), with a BMI of 30.6. The client reports a 6 lb weight gain over the last 2 weeks. She has had a headache for 5 days, blurred vision, and dizziness, which Tylenol does not relieve. The client reports swelling of her feet and fingers. She has 2+ pitting edema of the lower extremities noted bilaterally, and swelling of the fingers and hands is noted. Deep tendon reflexes are 3+, absent clonus. Fetal heart tones (FHT) are 148/min.
Vital Signs:
0800:
Temperature: 36.6°C (97.9°F)
Pulse rate: 88/min
Respiratory rate: 20/min
Blood Pressure: 179/99 mm Hg
0815:
Pulse rate: 82/min
Respiratory rate: 16/min
Blood Pressure: 168/104 mm Hg
0830:
Pulse rate: 81/min
Respiratory rate: 16/min
Blood Pressure: 170/101 mm Hg
Querry: Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse report to the provider? (Select all that apply.)
Weight gain
Visual disturbances
Blood pressure
Respiratory rate
Deep tendon reflexes
Fetal heart rate
Correct Answer : A,B,E
Choice A rationale:
Rapid weight gain during pregnancy, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, can be a sign of preeclampsia. This condition is characterized by high blood pressure and often occurs after 20 weeks of gestation. Reporting rapid weight gain is important for early detection and management.
Choice B rationale:
Visual disturbances, such as blurred vision, can be a warning sign of preeclampsia. It indicates potential neurological involvement and requires immediate evaluation to prevent complications for both the mother and the fetus.
Choice C rationale:
Elevated blood pressure readings are a critical sign of preeclampsia, a condition that can lead to serious health complications for both the mother and the baby if left untreated. Reporting elevated blood pressure is essential for early intervention and management.
Choice D rationale:
While the respiratory rate is slightly elevated, it is not as critical an indicator of preeclampsia as the other findings. In this case, the focus should be on more concerning symptoms, such as blood pressure and visual disturbances.
Choice E rationale:
Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes (3+) are a clinical sign of preeclampsia. The absence of clonus is a reassuring sign, but the presence of hyperactive reflexes warrants further evaluation and monitoring.
Choice F rationale:
The fetal heart rate (FHT) of 148/min is within the normal range (110-160/min) and does not indicate an immediate concern that needs to be reported. The nurse should focus on the maternal symptoms that suggest preeclampsia.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Turning the newborn's head quickly to one side elicits the tonic neck reflex, not the Moro reflex. The tonic neck reflex involves the newborn's arm extending on the side where the
head is turned and the opposite arm bending at the elbow, resembling a fencing position.
Choice B rationale
Performing a sharp hand clap near the infant elicits the Moro (startle) reflex, which is characterized by the infant throwing their arms outward, opening their hands, and then bringing
the arms back in. This is a response to sudden stimuli and is a normal reflex in newborns.
Choice C rationale
Stroking the outer edge of the sole of the foot from near the heel up toward the toes elicits the Babinski reflex, not the Moro reflex. The Babinski reflex is characterized by the big toe
moving upward or toward the top surface of the foot and the other toes fanning out.
Choice D rationale
Placing a finger at the base of the newborn's toes elicits the plantar grasp reflex, not the Moro reflex. The plantar grasp reflex involves the toes curling around the finger or object
placed at the base of the toes. .
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A respiratory rate of 10/min is concerning as it indicates possible respiratory depression, which can be a side effect of spinal anesthesia. This requires immediate intervention to
prevent hypoxia and other complications.
Choice B rationale
Blood pressure of 100/70 mm Hg is within normal limits and does not require immediate intervention in this context.
Choice C rationale
Urinary output of 30 ml/hr is slightly low, but it is not immediately life-threatening. It may require monitoring and further assessment if it persists.
Choice D rationale
A headache pain rated a 6 on a scale of 0 to 10 could indicate a post-dural puncture headache, which is common after spinal anesthesia. It requires attention but is not an immediate
life-threatening condition. .