Nokea
The client at 32 weeks’ gestation presents to a hospital with a severe headache. Her admission BP is 184/104 mm Hg. Based on the assessment and findings of the serum laboratory report, which most severe complication warrants the nurse’s further assessment?
- A. Renal failure
- B. Liver failure
- C. Preeclampsia
- D. HELLP syndrome
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: It is most important for the nurse to further assess for HELLP syndrome, a variation of pregnancy-induced hypertension characterized by hemolysis (elevated bilirubin), elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets. The laboratory results do not show the serum creatinine level, so no inferences can be made about renal failure. Although liver enzymes are elevated, HELLP syndrome is a more severe complication associated with pregnancy. Preeclampsia commonly coexists with HELLP syndrome; however, these laboratory findings show worsening symptoms that are associated with HELLP syndrome.
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Which dietary adjustment is most appropriate for a pregnant teenager?
- A. Increase caloric intake to 2,500 calories per day.
- B. Drink decaffeinated beverages instead of carbonated ones.
- C. Eat foods that are low in carbohydrates and fats.
- D. Choose nonspicy, easy to digest foods.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pregnant teenagers require about 2,500 calories daily to support their growth and the fetus's development.
Two days after hospital discharge, the nurse is assessing the mother and her newborn twins in their home. Which statement or question made by the nurse best demonstrates empathy?
- A. “You may be feeling overwhelmed. This is normal.”
- B. “I can’t imagine how tired you must be with twins.”
- C. “How are you feeling about being the mother of twins?”
- D. “I saw that laundry is piling up. Do you want a home aide?”
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Projecting feelings onto the client does not demonstrate empathy. This statement imposes a personal assumption and does not demonstrate empathy. This question demonstrates empathy. The nurse is asking a question to allow the client to explain her situation and feelings while the nurse listens. The nurse is attempting to understand the experience as lived by the client. Acknowledging that laundry is piling up and offering home aide services do not demonstrate empathy. Commenting on the laundry on the first visit may suggest to the client that she lacks support, and she may be defensive or hurt by the acknowledgement.
The nurse teaches the client to recognize which early labor sign?
- A. Bloody show
- B. Fatigue
- C. Increased appetite
- D. Mild nausea
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Bloody show, a mucous discharge tinged with blood, is a common early labor sign as the cervix begins to dilate.
The nurse explains that, in addition to increased blood volume, which other condition causes varicose veins during pregnancy?
- A. Impaired venous return
- B. Decreased cardiac output
- C. Altered center of gravity
- D. Impaired kidney function
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Impaired venous return, due to the uterus compressing veins, causes varicose veins, compounded by increased blood volume.
The client has a vaginal delivery of a full-term newborn. Immediately after delivery, the nurse assesses that the client’s perineum and labia are edematous, but she does not have an episiotomy or a perineal laceration. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Give her an ice pack to apply to the perineum.
- B. Teach her to relax her buttocks before sitting.
- C. Apply warm packs to the affected areas.
- D. Provide a plastic donut cushion for sitting.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: If perineal edema is present, ice packs should be applied for the first 24 hours. Ice reduces edema and vulvar irritation. The client should be taught to tighten, not relax, her buttocks when sitting. This compresses the buttocks and reduces pressure on the perineum. After 24 hours, heat is recommended to increase circulation to the area. Donut cushions should be avoided because they promote separation of the buttocks and decrease venous blood flow to the area, thus increasing pain.