Diagnosis and tests
Diagnosis and tests ( 5 Questions)
A nurse is caring for a client with gestational hypertension.
Which of the following symptoms would indicate that the client is developing preeclampsia?
Blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher is a sign of gestational hypertension, not preeclampsia. Gestational hypertension is a risk factor for developing preeclampsia, but it does not necessarily mean that the client has preeclampsia.
Proteinuria greater than 300 mg in a 24-hour urine collection is one of the criteria for diagnosing preeclampsia, along with hypertension and edema.
Mild facial edema is a common finding in normal pregnancy and does not indicate preeclampsia. Edema in preeclampsia is usually generalized and severe.
Hyperreflexia is a sign of eclampsia, not preeclampsia. Eclampsia is a complication of preeclampsia that involves seizures and coma.
Hyperreflexia indicates increased nervous system irritability due to the high blood pressure.
The correct answer is choice B. Proteinuria greater than 300 mg in a 24-hour urine collection is one of the criteria for diagnosing preeclampsia, along with hypertension and edema.
Proteinuria indicates that the kidneys are not functioning properly due to the increased blood pressure.
Choice A is wrong because blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher is a sign of gestational hypertension, not preeclampsia. Gestational hypertension is a risk factor for developing preeclampsia, but it does not necessarily mean that the client has preeclampsia.
Choice C is wrong because mild facial edema is a common finding in normal pregnancy and does not indicate preeclampsia. Edema in preeclampsia is usually generalized and severe.
Choice D is wrong because hyperreflexia is a sign of eclampsia, not preeclampsia. Eclampsia is a complication of preeclampsia that involves seizures and coma.
Hyperreflexia indicates increased nervous system irritability due to the high blood pressure.
Normal ranges for blood pressure and proteinuria in pregnancy are:
• Blood pressure: less than 140/90 mmHg
• Proteinuria: less than 300 mg/24 hours