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A patient with preeclampsia is admitted complaining of pounding headache, visual changes, and epigastric pain. Nursing care is based on the knowledge that these signs indicate
- A. gastrointestinal upset.
- B. effects of magnesium sulfate.
- C. anxiety caused by hospitalization.
- D. worsening disease and impending convulsion.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the symptoms described (headache, visual changes, epigastric pain) are classic signs of worsening preeclampsia, indicating impending eclampsia with seizures. This requires urgent intervention to prevent serious complications. Option A is incorrect as gastrointestinal upset does not typically present with these specific signs. Option B is incorrect as magnesium sulfate is used to prevent seizures in preeclampsia, not cause the symptoms described. Option C is incorrect as anxiety would not cause the specific symptoms mentioned. In summary, the signs described point towards worsening disease and the likelihood of impending convulsions, necessitating immediate medical attention.
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Which factor is known to increase the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus?
- A. Previous birth of large infant
- B. Maternal age younger than 25 years
- C. Underweight prior to pregnancy
- D. Previous diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Previous birth of large infant. This factor increases the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus due to the association with maternal insulin resistance. Large infants may have been exposed to higher glucose levels in utero, leading to increased risk in subsequent pregnancies. Maternal age younger than 25 years (B) is not a known risk factor. Being underweight prior to pregnancy (C) is actually associated with a lower risk of gestational diabetes. Previous diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (D) is a separate condition and not a risk factor for gestational diabetes.
Which intrapartal assessment should be avoided when caring for a patient with HELLP syndrome?
- A. Abdominal palpation
- B. Venous sample of blood
- C. Checking deep tendon reflexes
- D. Auscultation of the heart and lungs
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A - Abdominal palpation
Rationale: Abdominal palpation can lead to increased risk of placental abruption in patients with HELLP syndrome. This can cause severe hemorrhage and compromise fetal and maternal well-being. Therefore, it should be avoided.
Summary of other choices:
- B: Venous sample of blood: Necessary for assessing blood parameters in patients with HELLP syndrome.
- C: Checking deep tendon reflexes: Important for evaluating neurological status in patients with HELLP syndrome.
- D: Auscultation of the heart and lungs: Essential for monitoring cardiovascular and respiratory function in patients with HELLP syndrome.
Which finding in the exam of a patient with a diagnosis of threatened abortion would change the diagnosis to inevitable abortion?
- A. Presence of backache
- B. Rise in hCG level
- C. Clear fluid from vagina
- D. Pelvic pressure
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Clear fluid from vagina. In threatened abortion, the pregnancy is at risk but the fetus is still viable. In inevitable abortion, there is no chance of continuation. Clear fluid from the vagina indicates rupture of membranes, leading to inevitable abortion due to the loss of amniotic fluid. Backache, rise in hCG levels, and pelvic pressure are common symptoms in threatened abortion but do not definitively indicate progression to inevitable abortion.
A patient has tested HIV-positive and has now discovered that she is pregnant. Which statement indicates that she understands the risks of this diagnosis?
- A. “I know I will need to have an abortion as soon as possible.”
- B. “Even though my test is positive, my baby might not be affected.”
- C. “My baby is certain to have AIDS and die within the first year of life.”
- D. “This pregnancy will probably decrease the chance that I will develop AIDS.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it shows understanding that a positive HIV test in the mother doesn't guarantee transmission to the baby. This reflects knowledge of the possibility of preventing mother-to-child transmission with proper medical care. Option A is incorrect as abortion is not the standard recommendation for HIV-positive pregnant women. Option C is incorrect as not all babies born to HIV-positive mothers will have AIDS or die within the first year. Option D is incorrect as pregnancy does not decrease the mother's chance of developing AIDS.
Which instructions should the nurse include when teaching a pregnant patient with Class II heart disease?
- A. Advise her to gain at least 30 lb.
- B. Instruct her to avoid strenuous activity.
- C. Inform her of the need to limit fluid intake.
- D. Explain the importance of a diet high in calcium.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Instruct her to avoid strenuous activity. For a pregnant patient with Class II heart disease, avoiding strenuous activity is crucial to prevent excessive strain on the heart. Strenuous activities can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure, which can worsen the heart condition. Advising her to gain at least 30 lb (choice A) may put additional strain on the heart. Limiting fluid intake (choice C) can lead to dehydration, affecting blood volume and circulation. A diet high in calcium (choice D) is beneficial for overall health but is not specifically related to managing Class II heart disease during pregnancy.