N247 - Unit 1 Practice Questions and Correct Answers

A woman with severe preeclampsia is receiving a magnesium sulfate infusion. The nurse becomes concerned after assessment when the woman exhibits: A. A sleepy, sedated affect. B. A respiratory rate of 10 breaths/min. C. Deep tendon reflexes of 2+. D. Absence of ankle clonus. B A respiratory rate of 10 breaths/min indicates that the client is experiencing respiratory depression (bradypnea) from magnesium toxicity. Because magnesium sulfate is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, the client will most likely become sedated when the infusion is initiated. Deep tendon reflexes of 2+ are a normal finding, as is absence of ankle clonus. A nurse caring for pregnant women must be aware that the most common medical complication of pregnancy is: a. Hypertension. b. Hyperemesis gravidarum. c. Hemorrhagic complications. d. Infections. a Preeclampsia and eclampsia are two noted, deadly forms of hypertension, which is the most common medical complication of pregnancy. A large percentage of pregnant women have nausea and vomiting, but a relative few have the severe form called hyperemesis gravidarum. Hemorrhagic complications are the second most common medical complication of pregnancy. With regard to preeclampsia and eclampsia, nurses should be aware that: a. Preeclampsia is a condition of the first trimester; eclampsia is a condition of the second and third trimesters. b. Preeclampsia results in decreased function in such organs as the placenta, kidneys, liver, and brain. Correct c. The causes of preeclampsia and eclampsia are well documented. d. Severe preeclampsia is defined as preeclampsia plus proteinuria. b Vasospasms diminish the diameter of blood vessels, which impedes blood flow to all organs. Preeclampsia occurs after week 20 of gestation and can run the duration of the pregnancy. The causes of preeclampsia and eclampsia are unknown, although several have been suggested. Preeclampsia includes proteinuria; severe cases are characterized by greater proteinuria or any of nine other conditions