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    Ati nur209 maternity proctored exam

    G1P1, 37 weeks' gestation patient with a scheduled nonstress test (NST) As the nurse, you can identify whether the following findings are indicative of preeclampsia, preeclampsia with severe features, or neither. Select at least one answer in each row.

    Explanation & Rationale

    Preeclampsia: Blood pressure of 150/96 mmHg: A BP of ≥140/90 mmHg on two occasions at least 4 hours apart after 20 weeks of gestation in a previously normotensive client is diagnostic of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia with Severe Features: Blood pressure of 162/112 mmHg: Severe hypertension is ≥160/110 mmHg on two occasions at least 4 hours apart. This is a criterion for severe preeclampsia, requiring immediate intervention to prevent complications like eclampsia or stroke. Elevated liver enzymes (ALT/AST > 2x the upper limit of normal) are indicative of severe preeclampsia due to hepatic involvement. This can progress to HELLP syndrome, increasing the risk of liver rupture and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Neither: Negative for protein on a urine dipstick: Preeclampsia is typically diagnosed with proteinuria (≥300 mg in 24 hours or protein/creatinine ratio ≥0.3). A negative urine dipstick means proteinuria is absent, making preeclampsia unlikely. However, preeclampsia can also be diagnosed without proteinuria if other systemic features (e.g., thrombocytopenia, renal dysfunction) are present. Seizures in a client with preeclampsia indicate eclampsia, which is a medical emergency requiring magnesium sulfate to prevent further seizures. If the client had no preeclampsia, the seizures could be due to another cause (e.g., epilepsy, metabolic disturbance).

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