The nurse continues to care for the client who is at 30 weeks of gestation. Complete the following sentence by using the lists of options. The client is at highest risk for developing dropdown as evidenced by the client's dropdown and dropdown
Explanation & Rationale
Rationale for correct choices: Preeclampsia: The client demonstrates classic and worsening findings of preeclampsia with severe features, including hypertension, proteinuria, thrombocytopenia, elevated liver enzymes, RUQ pain, and hyperreflexia. These findings indicate endothelial damage and multi-organ involvement, placing the client at highest risk for complications such as eclampsia and HELLP syndrome. Urinalysis: The presence of proteinuria (25 mg/dL) is a key diagnostic criterion for preeclampsia. It reflects renal involvement and glomerular damage, making it a critical indicator supporting the diagnosis. Pain assessment: The client’s right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain is highly significant. This type of pain indicates hepatic involvement (liver swelling or ischemia) and is a warning sign of severe preeclampsia or progression to HELLP syndrome. It is a critical clinical finding that correlates with worsening disease severity. Rationale for incorrect choices: Preterm labor: No contractions, cervical changes, or uterine activity are present. Chorioamnionitis: No fever, uterine tenderness, or infection signs; WBC is within expected range for pregnancy. Serum WBC count: Slight elevation is normal in pregnancy and not specific for preeclampsia. Fundal assessment: Fundal height is appropriate (29 cm at 30 weeks) and not indicative of complications. Fetal monitor results: Fetal heart rate is normal (140/min), so no evidence of fetal distress. Hemoglobin: Within normal limits and not indicative of the condition.