The labor of a pregnant woman with preeclampsia is going to be induced. Before initiating

the oxytocin infusion, the nurse reviews the woman’s latest laboratory test findings, which reveal a platelet count of 90,000 mm3, an elevated aspartate aminotransaminase (AST) level, and a falling hematocrit. The laboratory results are indicative of which condition?

A woman with preeclampsia has a seizure. What is the nurse’s highest priority during a seizure?

A pregnant woman has been receiving a magnesium sulfate infusion for treatment of severe preeclampsia for 24 hours. On assessment, the nurse finds the following vital signs: temperature 37.3° C, pulse rate 88 beats per minute, respiratory rate 10 breaths per minute, BP 148/90 mm Hg, absent deep tendon reflexes (DTRs), and no ankle clonus. The client complains, “I’m so thirsty and warm.” What is the nurse’s immediate action?

A woman at 39 weeks of gestation with a history of preeclampsia is admitted to the labor and birth unit. She suddenly experiences increased contraction frequency of every 1 to 2 minutes, dark red vaginal bleeding, and a tense, painful abdomen. Which clinical change does the nurse anticipate?

A woman with worsening preeclampsia is admitted to the hospital’s labor and birth unit. The physician explains the plan of care for severe preeclampsia, including the induction of labor, to the woman and her partner. Which statement by the partner leads the nurse to believe that the couple needs further information?

The client is being induced in response to worsening preeclampsia. She is also receiving magnesium sulfate. It appears that her labor has not become active, despite several hours of oxytocin administration. She asks the nurse, “Why is this taking so long?” What is the nurse’s most appropriate response?

What nursing diagnosis is the most appropriate for a woman experiencing severe preeclampsia?

Which statement best describes chronic hypertension?

Which intervention is most important when planning care for a client with severe gestational hypertension?

Which client exhibits the greatest number of risk factors associated with the development of preeclampsia?

Which neonatal complications are associated with hypertension in the mother?

The nurse has evaluated a client with preeclampsia by assessing deep tendon reflexes (DTRs). The result is a grade of 3+. Which DTR response most accurately describes this score?

A woman experiencing severe preeclampsia has been receiving magnesium sulfate by intravenous infusion for 8 hours. The nurse assesses the client and documents the following

findings: temperature of 37.1° C, pulse rate of 96 beats per minute, respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute, BP of 155/112 mm Hg, 3+ DTRs, and no ankle clonus. The nurse calls the provider with an update. The nurse should anticipate an order for which medication?

The client being cared for has severe preeclampsia and is receiving a magnesium sulfate infusion. Which new finding would give the nurse cause for concern?

What is the most common medical complication of pregnancy?

Which statement most accurately describes the HELLP syndrome?

Which adverse prenatal outcomes are associated with the HELLP syndrome? (Select all that apply.)

One of the most important components of the physical assessment of the pregnant client is the determination of blood pressure (BP). Which techniques are important in obtaining accurate BP readings? (Select all that apply.)