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    PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam
    Select All That Apply

    The nurse is assisting in the care of the client who is at 30 weeks of gestation. Click to highlight the findings that indicate the client's condition has improved. To deselect a finding, click on the finding again. Temperature 38.3° C (101° F) Blood pressure 146/96 mm Hg Urine output 40 mL Deep tendon reflexes 2+ bilaterally Heart rate 58/min Oxygen saturation (SaO) 95% on 2 L nasal cannula Respiratory rate 18/min

    Explanation & Rationale

    Rationale for correct choices: • Deep tendon reflexes 2+ bilaterally: DTRs decreased from 3+ to 2+, indicating reduced hyperreflexia. Hyperreflexia is a hallmark of preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome; improvement suggests that neuromuscular excitability and central nervous system irritability are stabilizing. Monitoring DTRs helps evaluate treatment effectiveness and risk reduction for complications. • Oxygen saturation (SaO₂) 95% on 2 L nasal cannula: Oxygenation is within acceptable limits for a patient on supplemental oxygen. Maintaining adequate maternal oxygenation supports fetal perfusion and reduces hypoxic stress. Improved oxygen saturation reflects better respiratory status and cardiovascular stability compared with prior readings (SaO₂ 92–94%). • Respiratory rate 18/min: The client’s respiratory rate is within normal limits, improving from earlier tachypnea (24/min). Stabilization of respiratory rate indicates reduced distress, better oxygenation, and improved overall maternal status, which contributes to safer outcomes for both mother and fetus. • Blood pressure 146/96 mm Hg: At 1400, the client’s blood pressure had spiked to a very dangerous 170/112 mm Hg (severe hypertension). The decrease to 146/96 mm Hg by 1800 indicates that medical interventions are successfully lowering the pressure toward a safer range. Rationale for incorrect choices: • Temperature 38.3° C (101° F): The client’s temperature is elevated, indicating fever. Fever does not reflect improvement and may signal infection, inflammation, or other complications. Ongoing assessment and intervention are required to address the cause of hyperthermia. • Urine output 40 mL: A single low urine output reading suggests oliguria, which is concerning in preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome. Adequate renal perfusion is essential; this value does not indicate improvement and requires ongoing monitoring. • Heart rate 58/min: Bradycardia may be related to medications, vagal stimulation, or underlying cardiovascular changes. While it is a change from prior tachycardia, bradycardia itself is not an indicator of improvement and may require further evaluation.

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