Pre-eclampsia, Eclampsia > Maternal & Newborn
Exam Review
Risk Factors
Total Questions : 5
Showing 5 questions, Sign in for moreA nurse is reviewing the medical history of a client who is 32 weeks pregnant and has mild preeclampsia.
Which of the following factors in the client’s history increases her risk for developing this condition? Select all that apply.
Explanation
The correct answer is choices B, C, D and E.These are all factors that increase the risk of developing preeclampsia according to various sources.
Choice A is wrong because maternal age of 37 years old is not a risk factor for preeclampsia by itself.However, advanced maternal age (over 40) is associated with a higher risk.
Some of the other risk factors for preeclampsia that are not mentioned in the question are:
• First pregnancy with current partner
• Family history of preeclampsia
• African American ethnicity
• History of certain health conditions, such as migraines, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, urinary tract infections, gum disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, multiple sclerosis, gestational diabetes, and sickle cell disease
• Pregnancy resulting from egg donation, donor insemination, or in vitro fertilization
Normal ranges for blood pressure and proteinuria in pregnancy are:
• Blood pressure: less than 140/90 mm Hg
• Proteinuria: less than 300 mg/24 hours or less than 30 mg/dL in a random urine sample
A nurse is caring for a client who is 36 weeks pregnant and has severe preeclampsia.
The client reports having a severe headache and blurred vision.
The nurse should recognize that these symptoms indicate which of the following complications?
Explanation
Cerebral edema.This is because severe headache and blurred vision are signs of increased intracranial pressure due to swelling of the brain, which can occur in severe preeclampsia.Cerebral edema is a serious complication that can lead to seizures, stroke or death.
Choice A.Pulmonary edema is wrong because it would cause shortness of breath, coughing and chest pain, not headache and blurred vision.
Choice C.Placental abruption is wrong because it would cause abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding and uterine tenderness, not headache and blurred vision.
Choice D.Hepatic rupture is wrong because it would cause epigastric or right upper quadrant pain, nausea and vomiting, not headache and blurred vision.Hepatic rupture is also a rare complication of preeclampsia.
A nurse is preparing to administer magnesium sulfate IV to a client who is 38 weeks pregnant and has eclampsia.
What is the main purpose of this medication for this client?
Explanation
To prevent seizures.Magnesium sulfate is a medication that is used to relax the uterus and prevent seizures in clients with preeclampsia or eclampsia.
It does not lower the blood pressure, induce labor, or increase urine output.
Choice A is wrong because magnesium sulfate does not lower the blood pressure.Other medications, such as labetalol or hydralazine, are used to treat hypertension in preeclampsia.
Choice C is wrong because magnesium sulfate does not induce labor.In fact, it may delay labor by inhibiting uterine contractions.
Choice D is wrong because magnesium sulfate does not increase urine output.It may cause fluid retention and edema, which are signs of magnesium toxicity.The nurse should monitor the client’s urine output, respiratory rate, deep tendon reflexes, and serum magnesium levels while on magnesium sulfate therapy.
A nurse is monitoring a client who is 34 weeks pregnant and has mild preeclampsia.
Which of the following laboratory tests should the nurse review to assess for end-organ damage in this client?
Explanation
Liver enzymes and platelets. The nurse should review these laboratory tests to assess for end-organ damage in a client with mild preeclampsia because they indicate the status of the liver and the coagulation system, which are often affected by this condition.
Choice A is wrong because hemoglobin and hematocrit are not specific indicators of end-organ damage in preeclampsia. They may be elevated due to hemoconcentration from fluid retention or decreased due to hemolysis.
Choice C is wrong because blood glucose and ketones are not related to preeclampsia. They are more relevant for gestational diabetes mellitus, which is a different complication of pregnancy.
Choice D is wrong because creatinine and blood urea nitrogen are not the most sensitive markers of end-organ damage in preeclampsia. They may be elevated due to renal impairment, but proteinuria is a more classic sign of preeclampsia.
Normal ranges for liver enzymes and platelets are:
• AST: 10-40 U/L
• ALT: 7-56 U/L
• ALP: 44-147 U/L
• LDH: 140-280 U/L
• Platelets: 150,000-400,000/mm3
Liver enzymes and platelets.The nurse should review these laboratory tests to assess for end-organ damage in a client with mild preeclampsia because they indicate the status of the liver and the coagulation system, which are often affected by this condition.
Choice A is wrong because hemoglobin and hematocrit are not specific indicators of end-organ damage in preeclampsia.They may be elevated due to hemoconcentration from fluid retention or decreased due to hemolysis.
Choice C is wrong because blood glucose and ketones are not related to preeclampsia.They are more relevant for gestational diabetes mellitus, which is a different complication of pregnancy.
Choice D is wrong because creatinine and blood urea nitrogen are not the most sensitive markers of end-organ damage in preeclampsia.They may be elevated due to renal impairment, but proteinuria is a more classic sign of preeclampsia.
Normal ranges for liver enzymes and platelets are:
• AST: 10-40 U/L
• ALT: 7-56 U/L
• ALP: 44-147 U/L
• LDH: 140-280 U/L
• Platelets: 150,000-400,000/mm3
A nurse is teaching a client who is 28 weeks pregnant and has gestational hypertension about the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia.
Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
Explanation
The client should report any changes in the baby’s movements to the doctor, as this could indicate fetal distress due to reduced blood flow to the placenta.
Choice A is wrong because swelling in the hands and feet is a common symptom of pregnancy and not necessarily a sign of preeclampsia.
However, if the swelling is sudden or severe, the client should seek medical attention.
Choice B is wrong because checking blood pressure at home every day is not a reliable way to monitor for preeclampsia.
Blood pressure can vary throughout the day and may be affected by other factors such as stress, activity, or medication.The client should have regular prenatal visits with a health care provider who can measure blood pressure and perform other tests to detect preeclampsia.
Choice D is wrong because weighing oneself every week and reporting any sudden weight gain is not enough to prevent or diagnose preeclampsia.
Weight gain during pregnancy can also be influenced by fluid retention, diet, or other factors.The client should also look out for other signs and symptoms of preeclampsia, such as severe headaches, vision changes, abdominal pain, or reduced urine output.
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