The nurse identifies the following assessment findings on a client with preeclampsia: blood pressure 158/100; urinary output 50 mL/hour; lungs clear to auscultation; urine protein 11 on dipstick; and edema of the hands, ankles, and feet. On the next hourly assessment, which new assessment finding would be an indication of worsening of the preeclampsia?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A decrease in urinary output indicates a worsening of kidney function, which is a common complication of preeclampsia. An increase in blood pressure would also indicate worsening, but 158/104 is not a significant enough change to be a clear indication. Reflexes and platelet count may also be affected by preeclampsia, but they are not as reliable for immediate assessment of worsening as urinary output.

The Nurse Identifies the Following Assessment Findings on a Client