A nurse is caring for an adolescent client who is gravida 1 and para 0. The client was admitted to the hospital at 38 weeks of gestation with a diagnosis of preeclampsia. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as inconsistent with preeclampsia?

Choice A rationale Deep tendon reflexes of +1 are hypoactive reflexes, indicating decreased neurological excitability. In preeclampsia, central nervous system irritability is a key feature, often leading to hyperreflexia, which would be documented as +2, +3, or +4. Therefore, +1 reflexes are inconsistent with preeclampsia. Choice B rationale 3+ protein in the urine indicates significant proteinuria, which is a hallmark sign of preeclampsia. The kidneys are affected in preeclampsia, leading to increased excretion of protein in the urine. Choice C rationale A blood pressure of 148/98 mm Hg is elevated and falls within the diagnostic criteria for preeclampsia, which is hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg) that develops after 20 weeks of gestation along with proteinuria or other signs of end-organ damage. Choice D rationale Pitting sacral edema, or swelling in the sacral area that leaves a pit when pressed, is a common finding in preeclampsia due to fluid retention and increased capillary permeability.