The nurse is caring for a client who is at 24 weeks gestation. Which assessment requires further intervention?
- A. Hemoglobin 11 and hematocrit 33
- B. Blood pressure of 130/80
- C. Patient has slight pedal swelling
- D. Urine dipstick for protein 3+
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because a urine dipstick reading of 3+ for protein indicates significant proteinuria, which can be a sign of preeclampsia in pregnancy. Preeclampsia poses serious risks to both the mother and the fetus, requiring immediate medical intervention.
Choice A: Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels within normal range for pregnancy.
Choice B: Blood pressure slightly elevated but not concerning at this gestational age.
Choice C: Slight pedal swelling is common in pregnancy and may not indicate a serious issue at this time.
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The nurse is caring for a client with severe hyperemesis gravidarum. She is 10 weeks gestation and has a 10% weight loss. The client is being admitted for fluid and electrolyte replacement. The nurse is aware it is important to check which deficiency that puts the client at risk for Wernicke’s encephalopathy?
- A. Folic acid
- B. Vitamin D
- C. Thiamine
- D. Glucose
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Thiamine. Thiamine deficiency can lead to Wernicke’s encephalopathy in patients with severe hyperemesis gravidarum due to poor nutrient absorption and inadequate dietary intake. This condition can cause neurological symptoms like confusion and ataxia. Folic acid (A) deficiency is common in pregnancy but is not directly related to Wernicke's encephalopathy. Vitamin D (B) deficiency is associated with bone health and immune function, not neurological symptoms. Glucose (D) is important for energy production but is not directly linked to Wernicke's encephalopathy. Checking thiamine levels is crucial to prevent neurological complications in this client.
The nurse is assessing a client who has been diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Which should the nurse monitor closely because of her diagnosis?
- A. Edema
- B. Blood pressure, pulse, and respiration
- C. Urine for glucose and ketones
- D. Hemoglobin and hematocrit
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Urine for glucose and ketones. In gestational diabetes, monitoring urine for glucose and ketones is crucial to assess for hyperglycemia and ketosis, which can indicate poor blood sugar control. This helps in adjusting the treatment plan and preventing complications.
A: Edema is not directly related to gestational diabetes and is more commonly associated with conditions like heart failure or kidney disease.
B: Monitoring blood pressure, pulse, and respiration is important in general health assessment but not specific to gestational diabetes.
D: Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are important for monitoring anemia, but not directly related to gestational diabetes management.
The nurse is caring for a client in labor who is HIV positive. Which nursing care should be included?
- A. Administering antiretroviral drugs as ordered
- B. Assisting the woman on a labor ball to help with natural descent of the fetus
- C. Handling the newborn with gloves until it receives its first bath
- D. Encouraging the mother to breastfeed soon after delivery
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because administering antiretroviral drugs as ordered helps reduce the risk of vertical transmission of HIV from mother to baby during childbirth. This treatment is essential in managing the client's HIV status and ensuring the safety of the newborn.
Choice B is incorrect because using a labor ball does not directly address the HIV status of the client or the transmission risk to the newborn.
Choice C is incorrect as wearing gloves when handling the newborn does not replace the need for antiretroviral therapy to prevent transmission.
Choice D is incorrect because breastfeeding can transmit HIV from mother to baby, so it is not recommended for HIV-positive mothers to breastfeed.
The labor and delivery nurse reviews a client’s prenatal records and notes that the client had a positive GBS culture at 27 weeks gestation. Based on current guidelines, what is the recommended plan?
- A. Send a GBS to the laboratory immediately
- B. Prepare to administer penicillin prophylactically
- C. Determine if a follow-up culture was done at 38 weeks gestation
- D. Determine if the patient received antibiotics for the positive strep
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Prepare to administer penicillin prophylactically. This is recommended by current guidelines for clients with a positive GBS culture at 27 weeks gestation to prevent transmission to the newborn during delivery. Administering penicillin prophylactically during labor significantly reduces the risk of early-onset GBS disease in newborns.
A: Sending a GBS to the laboratory immediately is not necessary as the client's GBS status is already known.
C: Checking for a follow-up culture at 38 weeks gestation is not the recommended plan based on current guidelines.
D: Determining if the patient received antibiotics for the positive strep is not the immediate action needed; prophylactic antibiotics during labor are the standard of care.
A client who is 30 weeks pregnant comes into the labor and delivery unit complaining of having a gush of fluid come from her vagina. Which complication is this client at risk for?
- A. Infection
- B. Fluid volume deficit
- C. Hypotension
- D. Decreased urinary output
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Fluid volume deficit. When a pregnant client at 30 weeks experiences a gush of fluid from the vagina, it may indicate ruptured membranes leading to amniotic fluid leakage. This can lead to a decrease in amniotic fluid volume, potentially causing fluid volume deficit for both the mother and the fetus. This can result in complications such as preterm labor, infection, and fetal distress. The other choices are incorrect because:
A: Infection is a potential risk due to the ruptured membranes, but the immediate concern is fluid volume deficit.
C: Hypotension is not directly related to the scenario described.
D: Decreased urinary output is not a typical immediate concern with ruptured membranes; rather, the focus should be on assessing for signs of fluid loss and ensuring hydration.