Maternal Monitoring Related

Review Maternal Monitoring related questions and content

A nurse is assessing a pregnant patient who is at 34 weeks gestation and reports swelling in the legs and feet. What is the nurse's priority action?

  • A. Monitor the patient's blood pressure and assess for signs of preeclampsia.
  • B. Encourage the patient to rest with her feet elevated.
  • C. Administer a diuretic to reduce swelling.
  • D. Instruct the patient to reduce fluid intake to decrease swelling.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Monitor the patient's blood pressure and assess for signs of preeclampsia. At 34 weeks gestation, swelling in the legs and feet can be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. The priority action is to assess for signs of preeclampsia, as it can lead to severe complications for both the mother and the baby. Monitoring blood pressure is crucial in identifying preeclampsia early.

Choice B is incorrect because while elevating the feet may provide some relief from swelling, it does not address the potential underlying issue of preeclampsia. Choice C is incorrect because administering a diuretic without assessing for preeclampsia can be dangerous and potentially harmful to the patient and the baby. Choice D is incorrect because reducing fluid intake can lead to dehydration, which is not a recommended approach in pregnancy without proper assessment and guidance from healthcare providers.