Which of the following actions should a nurse plan to take for a client who is 1 hr postpartum and has preeclampsia without severe features?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A reason: Administering an IV bolus of lactated Ringer’s is not indicated for preeclampsia without severe features, as fluid overload can exacerbate hypertension or pulmonary edema. P ओपेक्शिया involves endothelial dysfunction, and excessive fluids may worsen vascular leakage. Blood pressure and symptom monitoring are prioritized over fluid administration in non-severe cases. Choice B reason: Misoprostol is used for labor induction or postpartum hemorrhage, not preeclampsia management. Preeclampsia requires blood pressure control and seizure prophylaxis, not cervical ripening agents. Misoprostol’s prostaglandin effects are irrelevant to preeclampsia’s pathophysiology, which involves vasoconstriction and endothelial damage, making this medication inappropriate for the condition’s treatment. Choice C reason: Assessing blood pressure twice daily is insufficient for preeclampsia, even without severe features, as it requires frequent monitoring (every 4-6 hours) to detect progression to severe hypertension. Preeclampsia can rapidly worsen due to vascular instability, and infrequent checks risk missing critical changes, compromising maternal and fetal safety. Choice D reason: Assessing for edema is essential in preeclampsia, as it reflects vascular leakage from endothelial dysfunction. Edema, especially in the face or hands, signals worsening disease, necessitating closer monitoring or intervention. This assessment tracks fluid retention, a key pathophysiological feature of preeclampsia, aiding in early detection of progression to severe features.