High-Risk Pregnancy Complications Flashcards
6 cards from real Maternal Newborn Nursing Test practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 High-Risk Pregnancy Complications flashcards as text
A client at 32 weeks gestation presents with a blood pressure of 158/106 mmHg, proteinuria of 2+, and severe headache. Which condition does the nurse suspect?
Answer: Severe preeclampsia
Severe preeclampsia is characterized by BP ≥160/110 mmHg on two occasions, significant proteinuria, and severe features such as headache, visual changes, or right upper quadrant pain.
A nurse is caring for a client with severe preeclampsia receiving magnesium sulfate. Which assessment finding indicates magnesium toxicity?
Answer: Respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute and absent deep tendon reflexes
Magnesium toxicity causes respiratory depression (<12 breaths/min) and loss of deep tendon reflexes (DTRs); the antidote is calcium gluconate.
Which laboratory finding is characteristic of HELLP syndrome?
Answer: Elevated liver enzymes, low platelets, and hemolysis
HELLP syndrome stands for Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelets — a severe variant of preeclampsia that can be life-threatening.
A client at 28 weeks gestation is diagnosed with placenta previa. She reports painless, bright red vaginal bleeding. What is the priority nursing action?
Answer: Initiate continuous electronic fetal monitoring and establish IV access
Placenta previa presents with painless bright red bleeding; the priority is maternal-fetal assessment with continuous EFM and IV access — vaginal exams are contraindicated.
Which symptom distinguishes placental abruption from placenta previa?
Answer: Painful, dark red vaginal bleeding with uterine rigidity
Placental abruption presents with painful, dark red vaginal bleeding (may be concealed) and a rigid, board-like uterus due to retroplacental hemorrhage.
A nurse is caring for a client at 34 weeks with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Which intervention is a priority?
Answer: Assess for signs of infection (fever, uterine tenderness, foul-smelling discharge) and notify provider
PPROM carries a high risk of chorioamnionitis; the nurse must assess for infection (maternal fever, uterine tenderness, leukocytosis, foul discharge) and report findings promptly.