Complications in Early Pregnancy Related

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A nurse is caring for a client who is G1P0 and 36 weeks gestation who has been diagnosed with severe pre-eclampsia. Her blood pressure is 165/110. The physician has ordered hydralazine. The nurse knows she should do which of the following when administering this medication?

  • A. Position the client supine with the head of the bed elevated 30 degrees.
  • B. Get baseline blood pressure and pulse and monitor frequently during administration.
  • C. Administer medication every 5 minutes until blood pressure is stabilized.
  • D. Inform the client that this may cause a positive direct Coombs test result.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The nurse should get baseline blood pressure and pulse and monitor frequently during administration to assess the effectiveness and safety of the medication. This is crucial in managing severe pre-eclampsia.

Choice A is incorrect because the client should be positioned on her left side to prevent vena cava compression, not supine with the head of the bed elevated.

Choice C is incorrect because administering medication every 5 minutes without proper monitoring can lead to adverse effects like hypotension.

Choice D is incorrect because hydralazine does not cause a positive direct Coombs test result. It is important for the nurse to provide accurate information to the client.