Causes and risk factors

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Question 1:

A nurse is caring for a client with gestational hypertension.

What is the blood pressure reading that indicates gestational hypertension?

Explanation

The correct answer is choice C.Gestational hypertension is defined as a blood pressure (BP) of≥140/90 mmHgon two occasions (at least 4 hours apart) after 20 weeks’ gestation in a previously normotensive woman, without the presence of proteinuria or other clinical features suggestive of preeclampsia.

Choice A is wrong because 120/80 mmHg is a normal blood pressure reading for a pregnant woman.

Choice B is wrong because 130/90 mmHg is not high enough to meet the criteria for gestational hypertension.

Choice D is wrong because 150/100 mmHg is a severe hypertension reading that would require immediate medical attention and may indicate preeclampsia or eclampsia.


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Question 2:

A nurse is caring for a client with gestational hypertension.

What is the most common cause of gestational hypertension?

Explanation

The correct answer is choice D. Vascular dysfunction.Gestational hypertension is high blood pressure that begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy and goes away after childbirth.It happens in about 6% to 8% of pregnancies.The exact cause of gestational hypertension is unknown, but it may be related to problems with the blood vessels that supply the placenta.

Vascular dysfunction means that the blood vessels are not working properly, which can affect blood flow and blood pressure.

Choice A is wrong because genetic factors are not a common cause of gestational hypertension.However, having a family history of gestational hypertension may increase the risk of developing it.

Choice B is wrong because immune system dysfunction is not a common cause of gestational hypertension.However, having an immune system disorder, such as lupus, may increase the risk of developing it.

Choice C is wrong because placental abnormalities are not a common cause of gestational hypertension.However, they may be a consequence of it, as high blood pressure can affect how the placenta develops and functions.


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Question 3:

A nurse is caring for a client with gestational hypertension.

What are some risk factors for developing gestational hypertension?

Explanation

The correct answer is choice E.Multiple pregnancy (twins or more) is a risk factor for developing gestational hypertension.Gestational hypertension is high blood pressure that begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy and goes away after childbirth.

Choice A is wrong because first pregnancy or new partner is not a risk factor for gestational hypertension, but for preeclampsia, which is a more severe condition that involves high blood pressure and protein in the urine.

Choice B is wrong because age younger than 20 or older than 40 is a risk factor for chronic hypertension, which is high blood pressure that exists before pregnancy or early in pregnancy (before 20 weeks).

Choice C is wrong because obesity or excessive weight gain is a risk factor for chronic hypertension and preeclampsia, but not for gestational hypertension.

Choice D is wrong because family history of hypertension or preeclampsia is a risk factor for chronic hypertension and preeclampsia, but not for gestational hypertension.


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Question 4:

A nurse is caring for a client with gestational hypertension.

What are some preexisting medical conditions that can increase the risk of developing gestational hypertension?

Explanation

The correct answer is choice D. All of the above.Gestational hypertension is high blood pressure that begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy and goes away after childbirth.It can cause complications for both the mother and the baby.

Some preexisting medical conditions that can increase the risk of developing gestational hypertension are:

• Diabetes: This condition affects how the body uses glucose (sugar) and can cause high blood pressure and damage to the blood vessels.

• Kidney disease: This condition affects how the kidneys filter waste and fluid from the blood and can cause high blood pressure and protein in the urine.

• Autoimmune disorders: These conditions occur when the immune system attacks healthy cells and tissues and can cause inflammation and damage to various organs, including the kidneys, heart and blood vessels.

Choice A is wrong because diabetes is not the only risk factor for gestational hypertension.

Choice B is wrong because kidney disease is not the only risk factor for gestational hypertension.

Choice C is wrong because autoimmune disorders are not the only risk factor for gestational hypertension.

Other risk factors for gestational hypertension may include age (less than 18 or more than 35 years old), marital status (unmarried), living in a city/town, education level (post-secondary), employment status (unemployed), obesity, first labor in consecutively pregnant women, the threat of pregnancy termination, cardiovascular system diseases, urinary tract pathology, varicose veins and ABO-sensibilization.


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Question 5:

A nurse is caring for a client with gestational hypertension who has a history of preeclampsia in previous pregnancies.

What is the most important nursing intervention?

Explanation

The correct answer is choice A. Monitor blood pressure and urine output closely.This is the most important nursing intervention for a client with gestational hypertension because it helps to detect any signs of worsening condition or complications such as preeclampsia, eclampsia, or HELLP syndrome.Monitoring blood pressure and urine output can also help to evaluate the effectiveness of antihypertensive medications and fluid management.

Choice B is wrong because administering antihypertensive medications as ordered is not the most important nursing intervention for a client with gestational hypertension.Antihypertensive medications are only indicated for clients with severe hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥ 160 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 110 mm Hg) or those with evidence of end-organ damage.Antihypertensive medications should be used with caution and under close monitoring because they can cause adverse effects such as hypotension, fetal growth restriction, or oligohydramnios.

Choice C is wrong because encouraging bed rest and limiting activity is not the most important nursing intervention for a client with gestational hypertension.Bed rest and activity restriction have not been proven to prevent or improve gestational hypertension or its complications.In fact, bed rest can increase the risk of thromboembolism, muscle wasting, bone loss, and psychological distress in pregnant women.

Bed rest and activity restriction should only be advised for clients with severe hypertension or those with signs of fetal compromise


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