Question

the nurse in a prenatal clinic is assessing a woman at 34 weeks' gestation. the client's blood pressure is 166/100 mm hg and her urine is 3 for protein. she states that she has a severe headache and occasional blurred vision. her baseline blood pressure was 100/62 mm hg. what action would the nurse take in response to these findings?

Answer 1

The nurse is likely dealing with a case of preeclampsia given the high blood pressure, proteinuria, headache, and blurred vision in the pregnant woman. The nurse should notify the obstetric provider immediately for potential management of preeclampsia symptoms and considerations for the safety of both mother and baby.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse in a prenatal clinic is assessing a woman at 34 weeks' gestation with a blood pressure of 166/100 mm Hg, urine protein of 3+, a severe headache, and occasional blurred vision, where her baseline blood pressure was 100/62 mm Hg. These findings are indicative of preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, often the kidneys.

Immediate action is required, and the nurse should notify the obstetric care provider promptly and prepare for the possible management of preeclampsia, which might include administration of blood pressure medication, corticosteroids for fetal lung development, and consideration of early delivery if the condition is severe and the pregnancy is at a viable gestational age.