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WorksheetsPreeclampsia Case Study Quiz
Total questions: 50
Worksheet time: 26mins
A client with severe preeclampsia is prescribed magnesium sulfate. Which assessment is the priority before initiating the infusion?
Blood glucose
Deep tendon reflexes (DTRs)
Bowel sounds
Fundal height
The nurse is administering magnesium sulfate 4 g IV bolus over 20 minutes, then 2 g/hr maintenance. Which finding indicates magnesium toxicity?
BP 150/92
Urine output 35 mL/hr
Respiratory rate 10/min
DTRs +2
Which orders should the nurse anticipate for a client admitted with severe preeclampsia at 34 weeks?
Magnesium sulfate infusion
Betamethasone injections
Oxytocin to induce labor immediately
Continuous fetal monitoring
IV antihypertensives
A client on magnesium sulfate has absent patellar reflexes. What is the nurse’s first action?
Increase IV fluids
Stop magnesium and notify provider
Reassess in 30 minutes
Prepare for emergency C-section
Which lab result is most concerning in preeclampsia?
Platelets 85,000/mm³
Hgb 12.5 g/dL
WBC 11,000/mm³
Sodium 138 mEq/L
The nurse is caring for a preeclamptic client receiving magnesium sulfate. Which urine output requires calling the provider?
40 mL/hr
35 mL/hr
25 mL/hr
45 mL/hr
Which findings are diagnostic of preeclampsia?
New-onset HTN after 20 weeks
Proteinuria
Hypoglycemia
Headache unrelieved by meds
Elevated liver enzymes
A client at 30 weeks has BP 168/110, RUQ pain, and blurred vision. What does this suggest?
Mild gestational HTN
Severe preeclampsia
Chorioamnionitis
Placenta previa
Which medication is the antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity?
Naloxone
Calcium gluconate
Vitamin K
Hydralazine
The provider orders magnesium sulfate '2 g/hr.' The pharmacy sends 20 g in 500 mL LR. What rate should the nurse set?
25 mL/hr
50 mL/hr
75 mL/hr
100 mL/hr
A 27-year-old G2P1 at 33+5 weeks arrives to L&D with swelling, severe headache, and visual spots. BP 170/112, RR 18, HR 96. Reflexes brisk +3 with 2-beat clonus. Urine dip 3+ protein. FHR baseline 150 with minimal variability. Labs: platelets 92,000, AST/ALT elevated, creatinine 1.3. Provider orders: magnesium sulfate 4 g loading, then 2 g/hr; labetalol IV PRN SBP >160; strict I&O; seizure precautions; continuous EFM; prepare for possible C-section. Client later requires emergency C-section for worsening FHR and maternal status.
Which provider order should the nurse implement first?
Start magnesium sulfate loading dose
Insert Foley and strict I&O
Apply seizure precautions
Begin continuous EFM
A 27-year-old G2P1 at 33+5 weeks arrives to L&D with swelling, severe headache, and visual spots. BP 170/112, RR 18, HR 96. Reflexes brisk +3 with 2-beat clonus. Urine dip 3+ protein. FHR baseline 150 with minimal variability. Labs: platelets 92,000, AST/ALT elevated, creatinine 1.3. Provider orders: magnesium sulfate 4 g loading, then 2 g/hr; labetalol IV PRN SBP >160; strict I&O; seizure precautions; continuous EFM; prepare for possible C-section. Client later requires emergency C-section for worsening FHR and maternal status.
Which assessment finding requires immediate provider notification?
Headache 6/10
Minimal fetal variability
3+ proteinuria
Pedal edema
A 27-year-old G2P1 at 33+5 weeks arrives to L&D with swelling, severe headache, and visual spots. BP 170/112, RR 18, HR 96. Reflexes brisk +3 with 2-beat clonus. Urine dip 3+ protein. FHR baseline 150 with minimal variability. Labs: platelets 92,000, AST/ALT elevated, creatinine 1.3. Provider orders: magnesium sulfate 4 g loading, then 2 g/hr; labetalol IV PRN SBP >160; strict I&O; seizure precautions; continuous EFM; prepare for possible C-section. Client later requires emergency C-section for worsening FHR and maternal status.
What nursing actions are appropriate during magnesium sulfate loading dose?
Keep calcium gluconate available
Monitor RR every 5–15 minutes
Check DTRs frequently
Encourage ambulation to prevent clots
Continuous fetal monitoring
A 27-year-old G2P1 at 33+5 weeks arrives to L&D with swelling, severe headache, and visual spots. BP 170/112, RR 18, HR 96. Reflexes brisk +3 with 2-beat clonus. Urine dip 3+ protein. FHR baseline 150 with minimal variability. Labs: platelets 92,000, AST/ALT elevated, creatinine 1.3. Provider orders: magnesium sulfate 4 g loading, then 2 g/hr; labetalol IV PRN SBP >160; strict I&O; seizure precautions; continuous EFM; prepare for possible C-section. Client later requires emergency C-section for worsening FHR and maternal status.
The nurse notes new epigastric/RUQ pain. This is concerning for:
Normal uterine stretching
HELLP syndrome progression
Round ligament pain
Braxton Hicks contractions
A 27-year-old G2P1 at 33+5 weeks arrives to L&D with swelling, severe headache, and visual spots. BP 170/112, RR 18, HR 96. Reflexes brisk +3 with 2-beat clonus. Urine dip 3+ protein. FHR baseline 150 with minimal variability. Labs: platelets 92,000, AST/ALT elevated, creatinine 1.3. Provider orders: magnesium sulfate 4 g loading, then 2 g/hr; labetalol IV PRN SBP >160; strict I&O; seizure precautions; continuous EFM; prepare for possible C-section. Client later requires emergency C-section for worsening FHR and maternal status.
The client’s BP remains 166/108 after magnesium is started. What is the nurse’s priority?
Raise the head of bed
Give IV labetalol per order
Stop magnesium infusion
Offer oral fluids
A 27-year-old G2P1 at 33+5 weeks arrives to L&D with swelling, severe headache, and visual spots. BP 170/112, RR 18, HR 96. Reflexes brisk +3 with 2-beat clonus. Urine dip 3+ protein. FHR baseline 150 with minimal variability. Labs: platelets 92,000, AST/ALT elevated, creatinine 1.3. Provider orders: magnesium sulfate 4 g loading, then 2 g/hr; labetalol IV PRN SBP >160; strict I&O; seizure precautions; continuous EFM; prepare for possible C-section. Client later requires emergency C-section for worsening FHR and maternal status.
FHR shows late decelerations and minimal variability. Best action?
Reposition to left side and increase IV fluids
Document and reassess in 30 minutes
Prepare to discharge client
Reduce magnesium dose
A 27-year-old G2P1 at 33+5 weeks arrives to L&D with swelling, severe headache, and visual spots. BP 170/112, RR 18, HR 96. Reflexes brisk +3 with 2-beat clonus. Urine dip 3+ protein. FHR baseline 150 with minimal variability. Labs: platelets 92,000, AST/ALT elevated, creatinine 1.3. Provider orders: magnesium sulfate 4 g loading, then 2 g/hr; labetalol IV PRN SBP >160; strict I&O; seizure precautions; continuous EFM; prepare for possible C-section. Client later requires emergency C-section for worsening FHR and maternal status. The nurse is preparing the client for emergency C-section. Which statement best explains the indication?
Your cervix isn’t dilating.
Your baby is too premature for labor.
Your baby is showing signs of distress and your condition is worsening.
Magnesium sulfate requires a surgical birth.
A 27-year-old G2P1 at 33+5 weeks arrives to L&D with swelling, severe headache, and visual spots. BP 170/112, RR 18, HR 96. Reflexes brisk +3 with 2-beat clonus. Urine dip 3+ protein. FHR baseline 150 with minimal variability. Labs: platelets 92,000, AST/ALT elevated, creatinine 1.3. Provider orders: magnesium sulfate 4 g loading, then 2 g/hr; labetalol IV PRN SBP >160; strict I&O; seizure precautions; continuous EFM; prepare for possible C-section. Client later requires emergency C-section for worsening FHR and maternal status. In the OR, what are the nurse’s roles for this preeclamptic client?
Maintain seizure precautions
Monitor BP and oxygenation closely
Position to avoid supine hypotension
Give IV push opioids without orders
Prepare neonatal resuscitation team
A 27-year-old G2P1 at 33+5 weeks arrives to L&D with swelling, severe headache, and visual spots. BP 170/112, RR 18, HR 96. Reflexes brisk +3 with 2-beat clonus. Urine dip 3+ protein. FHR baseline 150 with minimal variability. Labs: platelets 92,000, AST/ALT elevated, creatinine 1.3. Provider orders: magnesium sulfate 4 g loading, then 2 g/hr; labetalol IV PRN SBP >160; strict I&O; seizure precautions; continuous EFM; prepare for possible C-section. Client later requires emergency C-section for worsening FHR and maternal status.
Post-op, which assessment is most critical in the first hour?
Lochia amount
Respiratory status and reflexes
Incision dressing type
Bowel sounds
A 27-year-old G2P1 at 33+5 weeks arrives to L&D with swelling, severe headache, and visual spots. BP 170/112, RR 18, HR 96. Reflexes brisk +3 with 2-beat clonus. Urine dip 3+ protein. FHR baseline 150 with minimal variability. Labs: platelets 92,000, AST/ALT elevated, creatinine 1.3. Provider orders: magnesium sulfate 4 g loading, then 2 g/hr; labetalol IV PRN SBP >160; strict I&O; seizure precautions; continuous EFM; prepare for possible C-section. Client later requires emergency C-section for worsening FHR and maternal status.
Which post-op finding should be reported immediately?
UO 20 mL/hr
BP 148/90
DTRs +1
Pain 4/10
Which client is at highest risk for preeclampsia?
Multipara age 28, no history
Primigravida age 19
G1 age 36 with chronic HTN
G3 age 30 with iron-deficiency anemia
Risk factors for preeclampsia include:
Multiple gestation
Diabetes mellitus
History of preeclampsia
Smoking
Obesity
A preeclamptic client reports 'I feel like I can’t catch my breath.' Lungs have crackles. What complication is suspected?
Amniotic fluid embolism
Pulmonary edema
Placental abruption
Hypovolemia
A client on magnesium sulfate has RR 14, UO 32 mL/hr, DTRs +2. What should the nurse do?
Continue infusion
Stop infusion
Give calcium gluconate
Call rapid response
Which symptom in a preeclamptic client indicates possible impending eclampsia?
Mild edema
Hyperreflexia and clonus
Heartburn after meals
Increased appetite
Preeclampsia pathophysiology is primarily related to:
Placental perfusion problems causing endothelial damage
Maternal hypoglycemia
Infection of the amniotic sac
Increased fetal insulin
Which BP requires calling the provider immediately in preeclampsia?
142/86
150/92
162/108
148/88
A client receiving magnesium sulfate becomes lethargic and difficult to arouse. First nursing action?
Check serum magnesium level and RR
Offer juice
Increase infusion rate
Place in Trendelenburg
Appropriate seizure precautions for severe preeclampsia:
Pad side rails
Suction and O2 at bedside
Keep room dark/quiet
Restrict all fluids completely
Maintain IV access
A client with preeclampsia asks why she needs strict I&O. Best response:
It helps us monitor kidney function and fluid balance.
It’s routine for all pregnancies.
To reduce heartburn.
To prevent nausea.
Which lab trend indicates worsening preeclampsia?
Platelets rising from 110k to 150k
AST rising from 40 to 120
Creatinine decreasing to 0.7
Hct stable at 35%
Which statement by a postpartum client with preeclampsia needs teaching?
I’ll call if I get a bad headache.
Preeclampsia can worsen after delivery.
Once the baby is out, I don’t need monitoring.
I should report vision changes.
Postpartum nursing actions for preeclampsia include:
Continue magnesium for 24 hr
Monitor for hemorrhage
Assess neuro status frequently
Encourage high-sodium foods
Monitor BP closely
A client with severe preeclampsia has a seizure. What is the nurse’s priority?
Insert oral airway
Turn client to side and protect from injury
Start IV oxytocin
Check cervical dilation
After a seizure, which medication should the nurse expect to administer?
Terbutaline
Magnesium sulfate bolus
Methylergonovine
Misoprostol
Gate control theory suggests that pain transmission can be reduced by:
Increasing uterine stimulation
Closing the 'gate' via competing sensory input
Preventing all touch during labor
Keeping client NPO
Non-pharmacologic techniques based on gate control theory include:
Massage
Counter-pressure
Slow paced breathing
Ice packs or warm compresses
Fetal scalp electrode placement
A laboring client requests an epidural. Which assessment is most important prior to placement?
FHR baseline
Platelet count
Fundal height
Amniotic fluid color
Which is a common side effect of epidural anesthesia?
Hypertension
Maternal hypotension
Hyperreflexia
Tachypnea
After epidural placement, which nursing intervention is priority?
Encourage ambulation
Monitor BP frequently
Perform vaginal exam hourly
Keep client supine flat
A client with epidural reports ringing in ears and metallic taste. What is suspected?
Hypoglycemia
Local anesthetic toxicity
Hyperventilation
Normal effect
Nursing actions to manage epidural-related hypotension:
Left lateral positioning
Rapid IV fluid bolus per protocol
O2 via face mask
Increase oxytocin
Notify anesthesia/provider
A client has an epidural and cannot feel the urge to void. Best nursing action?
Encourage fluids
Straight cath or Foley per order
Place warm pack on bladder
Wait until delivery
Which statement shows correct understanding of pharmacologic pain relief in labor?
IV opioids won’t affect the baby.
Epidurals can slow my BP so you’ll watch it.
I can walk freely right after an epidural.
Nitrous oxide is only for C-sections.
A client given IV opioids during active labor becomes drowsy and RR 8/min. Priority action?
Reposition
Stop opioid and give naloxone per protocol
Check cervix
Offer ice chips
(SATA) When should the nurse call the provider for a client with epidural anesthesia?
BP drops to 88/50
FHR late decelerations occur
Client has unilateral numbness only
Maternal fever 101.5°F (38.6°C)
Client reports severe headache after birth
A client in labor uses breathing and focal point techniques. These actions primarily:
Increase uterine perfusion only
Provide distraction and reduce pain perception
Stop contractions
Replace need for all meds
Best position for a client after epidural to optimize placental perfusion?
Supine with legs straight
Left lateral with wedge
Prone
High Fowler’s
A laboring preeclamptic client with epidural complains of sudden severe abdominal pain and firm uterus. Priority concern?
Placental abruption
Normal transition phase
Epidural wearing off
UTI
(SATA) Correct nursing care for laboring client receiving magnesium sulfate includes:
Continuous EFM
Assess RR, DTRs, UO regularly
Keep client in quiet/dim environment
Encourage pushing as soon as contractions start
Have calcium gluconate available
