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    Ati nur209 maternity proctored exam

    Based on the clients assessment on 2/11 at 1200, indicate if the client's condition is improving, worsening or not related based on the condition.

    Explanation & Rationale

    A. Deep tendon reflexes (DTR) – Worsening On 2/10, the client had hyperreflexia (DTRs 3+) and no clonus. By 2/11, the DTRs had increased to 4+ with positive clonus, indicating neuromuscular hyperexcitability, a hallmark of worsening preeclampsia with severe features. Clonus is a concerning sign that suggests progression toward eclampsia (seizures). This indicates neurological worsening. B. Creatinine – Worsening The client's creatinine level increased from 1.4 mg/dL (already elevated) to 2.0 mg/dL, which is indicative of worsening renal function. Normal pregnancy should not cause a creatinine rise above 1.1 mg/dL, so this elevation suggests renal impairment due to severe preeclampsia. The worsening creatinine level indicates deteriorating kidney function, possibly due to reduced renal perfusion. C. Client denies pain – Unrelated The absence of pain is not directly related to the client’s condition worsening or improving. While pain can be a symptom of severe preeclampsia (such as epigastric pain from liver involvement), the client currently has an epidural, which can explain the lack of pain perception. The denial of pain does not indicate improvement in the disease process but rather effective pain management. D. Vaginal exam – Improvement The vaginal exam findings indicate progress in labor. On 2/10, the client was not noted to be in active labor, but by 2/11, she was 7 cm dilated, 80% effaced, and at 0 station, with contractions increasing in frequency and intensity. This progression suggests that labor is advancing appropriately. E. Blood pressure – Worsening The client’s blood pressure was severely elevated on 2/10 (168/100 mmHg) and remained high on 2/11 (152/86 mmHg). While slightly lower, the diastolic remains elevated, and systolic pressures are still high. Given the worsening DTRs, renal function decline, and elevated liver enzymes, the blood pressure changes are not a sign of improvement but rather persistent hypertension despite possible interventions. F. Decreased sensation in legs – Unrelated The client received an epidural for pain relief, which normally causes decreased sensation in the lower extremities. This finding is not related to worsening preeclampsia or labor progression but is an expected effect of the epidural anesthesia. The client’s ability to slightly move her legs confirms that the block is working properly.

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