To reassure and educate their pregnant clients about changes in their blood pressure, maternity nurses should be aware that:
a. A blood pressure cuff that is too small produces a reading that is too low; a cuff that is too large produces a reading that is too high.
b. Shifting the client's position and changing from arm to arm for different measurements produces the most accurate composite blood pressure reading at each visit.
c. The systolic blood pressure increases slightly as pregnancy advances; the diastolic pressure remains constant.
d. Compression of the iliac veins and inferior vena cava by the uterus contributes to hemorrhoids in the later stage of term pregnancy.
ANS: D
Compression of the iliac veins and inferior vena cava also leads to varicose veins in the legs and vulva. The tightness of a cuff that is too small produces a reading that is too high; similarly the looseness of a cuff that is too large results in a reading that is too low. Because maternal positioning affects readings, blood pressure measurements should be obtained in the same arm and with the woman in the same position. The systolic blood pressure generally remains constant but may decline slightly as pregnancy advances. The diastolic blood pressure first decreases and then gradually increases.
You might also like to view...
A venous stasis ulcer that is dressed with a foam dressing heals by
A) primary intention. B) secondary intention. C) tertiary intention. D) delayed primary intention.
Tom comes into the emergency room very lethargic. He's been vomiting for 2 days and hasn't eaten anything. His blood sugar is 692 mg/dL. He has ketones in his urine. He is diagnosed with ketoacidosis
a. What is diabetic ketoacidosis? b. How is it treated, and what are the three main goals? c. What is the source of the ketones in his urine? d. What should be monitored?
Pancreatic enzymes are administered to the child with cystic fibrosis (CF). Nursing considerations should include to:
a. not administer pancreatic enzymes if child is receiving antibiotics. b. decrease dose of pancreatic enzymes if child is having frequent, bulky stools. c. administer pancreatic enzymes between meals if at all possible. d. pancreatic enzymes can be swallowed whole or sprinkled on a small amount of food taken at the beginning of a meal.
A patient who is recovering from acute kidney injury (AKI) is being discharged. What should the nurse include in this patient's instructions?
A. Avoid alcohol consumption. B. Instruct to weigh self at least once a month. C. Resume a normal diet. D. Use over-the-counter medications as needed.