A newly admitted client at 32 weeks' gestation is experiencing a sudden onset of intense nausea and a frontal headache for the past 2 days. The client's initial blood pressure is 158/98, and she reports scant urination over the past 24 hours. Which intervention should the nurse anticipate implementing?

Question

1. Ordering a low-protein diet for the client
2. Conducting a urine dipstick test to assess for proteinuria
3. Placing a wedge under the client's left hip so that she is in a right lateral tilt position
4. Administering diuretics and facilitating a dietary regimen of strict sodium restriction

Answer 1

2
Explanation:
1. This client's signs and symptoms are consistent with preeclampsia. Dietary interventions include moderate to high protein intake (80 to 100 g/day, or 1.5 g/kg/day) to replace protein lost in the urine.
2. This client's signs and symptoms are consistent with preeclampsia. Treatment includes daily urine dipstick testing to assess for proteinuria.
3. This client's signs and symptoms are consistent with preeclampsia. Appropriate interventions include instituting bed rest with the client positioned primarily on her left side, to decrease pressure on the vena cava, thereby increasing venous return, circulatory volume, and placental and renal perfusion.
4. This client's signs and symptoms are consistent with preeclampsia. Treatment includes avoidance of excessively salty foods, but sodium restriction and diuretics are no longer used in treating preeclampsia.