A nurse is providing teaching about nifedipine for a client who is at 34 weeks of gestation and has gestational hypertension.
For which of the following adverse effects should the nurse instruct the client to notify the provider?
Irregular heartbeat.
Hair loss.
Increased salivation.
Pause.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Irregular heartbeat (palpitations or arrhythmias) can indicate a serious cardiovascular side effect of nifedipine. It requires immediate medical attention as it could compromise
maternal and fetal circulation.
Choice B rationale
Hair loss is not a known adverse effect of nifedipine and generally does not pose a significant health risk. It is more commonly associated with hormonal changes rather than
medication side effects.
Choice C rationale
Increased salivation is not a common side effect of nifedipine. Nifedipine primarily affects the cardiovascular system rather than salivary glands.
Choice D rationale
Pause is not a recognized adverse effect related to nifedipine usage. The term itself is ambiguous and not typically associated with the pharmacological profile of nifedipine.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A positive pregnancy test is a probable sign of pregnancy as it indicates the presence of hCG, a hormone produced during pregnancy. However, it is not a presumptive sign, as other
conditions can also result in elevated hCG levels.
Choice B rationale
Amenorrhea, or the absence of menstrual periods, is a presumptive sign of pregnancy. It is one of the earliest indications that a woman may be pregnant, though it can also be
caused by other factors such as stress or hormonal imbalances.
Choice C rationale
Fetal heart sounds detected by Doppler ultrasound are a positive sign of pregnancy, confirming the presence of a fetus. This is not a presumptive sign as it is direct evidence of
pregnancy.
Choice D rationale
Chadwick's sign, a bluish discoloration of the cervix, vagina, and labia due to increased blood flow, is considered a probable sign of pregnancy. It is not a presumptive sign but rather
a physical change that occurs during pregnancy. .
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
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Preterm Labor Risk: At 32 weeks of gestation, regular contractions every 5 minutes could indicate the onset of preterm labor. This is concerning because preterm labor can lead to preterm birth, which poses significant risks to the baby's health and development.
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Frequency and Intensity: These contractions are occurring frequently (every 5 minutes) and are described as stronger than usual Braxton Hicks contractions. This frequency and the strength of the contractions are unusual for Braxton Hicks, which are typically irregular and less intense.
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Effacement and Cervical Changes: Although the cervix is closed, it is 80% effaced. Effacement means the cervix is thinning, which, in combination with regular contractions, may indicate that the body is preparing for labor.
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Urinary Leakage: The client also reported urinary leakage earlier in the day, which could be a sign of ruptured membranes (water breaking). This, combined with regular contractions, increases the need for careful monitoring.