The prenatal clinic nurse is caring for a client with hyperemesis gravidarum at 14 weeks' gestation. The vital signs are: blood pressure 95/48, pulse 114, respirations 24. Which order should the nurse implement first?
1. Weigh the client.
2. Give 1 liter of lactated Ringer's solution IV.
3. Administer 30 mL Maalox (magnesium hydroxide) orally.
4. Encourage clear liquids orally.
2
Explanation: 2. The vital signs indicate hypovolemia from dehydration, which leads to hypotension and increased pulse rate. Giving this client a liter of lactated Ringer's solution intravenously will reestablish vascular volume and bring the blood pressure up, and the pulse and respiratory rate down.
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The jail nurse is interviewing a woman who has been brought to the clinic for prenatal care. Which of the following are appropriate actions for the nurse to perform? (Select all that apply.)
A. Assess the woman for drug and alcohol abuse and possible withdrawal. B. Assess the woman's health knowledge and health literacy. C. Ask if the woman has other children and who is caring for them. D. Determine if the woman has risk factors for pregnancy complications. E. Inquire about the woman's criminal history and background.
An older patient with gastroesophageal reflux disease has complications caused by exposure of tissue to gastric acids. Which medication will this patient most likely be prescribed to promote healing?
1. Reglan 2. Zantac 3. Pepcid 4. Carafate
The nurse caring for a woman hospitalized for hyperemesis gravidarum expects that initial treatment will involve:
1. corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. 2. IV therapy to correct fluid and electrolyte imbalances. 3. an antiemetic such as pyridoxine to control nausea and vomiting. 4. enteral nutrition to correct nutritional deficits.
While waiting for report the nurse answers the call light of a pregnant patient who is resting in a darkened room. The patient is receiving betamethasone and magnesium sulfate. What could the nurse deduce from those findings?
A) The patient is suffering from hypertension and the care team is trying to lower her blood pressure so that she may return home until the baby is full term B) The patient is suffering from eclampsia and the care team is attempting to prevent stroke and induce labor C) The patient is suffering from severe preeclampsia and the care team is attempting to prevent advancement of the disorder to eclampsia; they are attempting to help the baby's lungs mature quickly so that they can deliver as soon as possible D) The patient is suffering from mild preeclampsia and the care team is attempting to stabilize her and the baby before discharging her to home