High Risk Pregnancy NCLEX Questions and Answers

High Risk Pregnancy NCLEX Questions and Answers A client is diagnosed with gestational hypertension and is receiving magnesium sulfate. Which finding would the nurse interpret as indicating a therapeutic level of medication? A) Urinary output of 20 mL per hour B) Respiratory rate of 10 breaths/minute C) Deep tendons reflexes 2+ D) Difficulty in arousing - Ans: C With magnesium sulfate, deep tendon reflexes of 2+ would be considered normal and therefore a therapeutic level of the drug. Urinary output of less than 30 mL, a respiratory rate of less than 12 breaths/minute, and a diminished level of consciousness would indicate magnesium toxicity. The nurse is developing a plan of care for a woman who is pregnant with twins. The nurse includes interventions focusing on which of the following because of the woman's increased risk? A) Oligohydramnios B) Preeclampsia C) Post-term labor D) Chorioamnionitis - Ans: B Women with multiple gestations are at high risk for preeclampsia, preterm labor, hydramnios, hyperemesis gravidarum, anemia, and antepartal hemorrhage. There is no association between multiple gestations and the development of chorioamnionitis. A woman hospitalized with severe preeclampsia is being treated with hydralazine to control blood pressure. Which of the following would the lead the nurse to suspect that the client is having an adverse effect associated with this drug? A) Gastrointestinal bleeding B) Blurred vision C) Tachycardia D) Sweating - Ans: C Hydralazine reduces blood pressure but is associated with adverse effects such as palpitation, tachycardia, headache, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It does not cause gastrointestinal bleeding, blurred vision, or sweating. Magnesium sulfate may cause sweating. After reviewing a client's history, which factor would the nurse identify as placing her at risk for gestational hypertension? A) Mother had gestational hypertension during pregnancy. B) Client has a twin sister. C) Sister-in-law had gestational hypertension. D) This is the client's second pregnancy. - Ans: A A family history of gestational hypertension, such as a mother or sister, is considered a risk factor for the client. Having a twin sister or having a sister-in-law with gestational hypertension would not increase the client's risk. If the client had a history of preeclampsia in her first pregnancy, then she would be at risk in her second pregnancy. The nurse is reviewing the laboratory test results of a pregnant client. Which one of the following findings would alert the nurse to the development of HELLP syndrome? A) Hyperglycemia B) Elevated platelet count C) Leukocytosis D) Elevated liver enzymes - Ans: D HELLP is an acronym for hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets. Hyperglycemia or leukocytosis is not a part of this syndrome. Which of the following would the nurse have readily available for a client who is receiving magnesium sulfate to treat severe preeclampsia? A) Calcium gluconate B) Potassium chloride C) Ferrous sulfate D) Calcium carbonate - Ans: A The antidote for magnesium sulfate is calcium gluconate, and this should be readily available in case the woman has signs and symptoms of magnesium toxicity. A nurse is teaching a pregnant woman with preterm premature rupture of membranes who is about to be discharged home about caring for herself. Which statement by the woman indicates a need for additional teaching? - A) "I need to keep a close eye on how active my baby is each day." B) "I need to call my doctor if my temperature increases." C) "It's okay for my husband and me to have sexual intercourse." D) "I can shower but I shouldn't take a tub bath." Ans: C Feedback: The woman with preterm premature rupture of membranes should monitor her baby's activity by performing fetal kick counts daily, check her temperature and report any increases to the health care provider, not insert anything into her vagina or vaginal area, such as tampons or vaginal intercourse, and avoid sitting in a tub bath. ...............