Maternity Nursing: Antepartum Q 4
A pregnant client in the last trimester has been admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of severe preeclampsia. A nurse monitors for complications associated with the diagnosis and assesses the client for:
A. Any bleeding, such as in the gums, petechiae, and purpura.
B. Enlargement of the breasts.
C. Periods of fetal movement followed by quiet periods.
D. Complaints of feeling hot when the room is cool.
Correct Answer: A. Any bleeding, such as in the gums, petechiae, and purpura.
Severe preeclampsia can trigger disseminated intravascular coagulation because of the widespread damage to vascular integrity. Bleeding is an early sign of DIC and should be reported to the M.D.
Option B: Estrogen stimulates growth of the breast duct cells and generates the secretion of prolactin, another hormone. Prolactin stimulates breast enlargement and milk production. Progesterone supports the formation and growth of milk-producing cells within the glands of the breasts.
Option C: The first fetal movements which are felt by the mother are called quickening. One function of these movements is to alert the pregnant woman that she has a fetus growing in her uterus. Most providers recommend that pregnant women monitor fetal movements, especially by the third trimester. This can be accomplished by simply instructing the woman to have a general awareness of the fetus and determine if the fetus is moving less than normal on any given day or about the same as other days.
Option D: At the beginning of your pregnancy, new hormones are like little workers that help keep everything humming along smoothly. These hormonal changes also raise your body temperature a small amount.