The nurse is assessing a newly admitted patient who is 32 weeks' gestation. The patient's chief complaints are sudden onset of intense nausea and a frontal headache for the past two days. The patient's initial blood pressure is 158/98 and she reports scant urination over the past 24 hours. Which intervention should the nurse anticipate implementing?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sudden onset of intense nausea, frontal headache, and high blood pressure in a patient who is 32 weeks' gestation may be indicative of preeclampsia. The nurse should conduct a urine dipstick test to assess for proteinuria, which is a hallmark feature of preeclampsia. Placing a wedge under the patient's left hip so that she is in a right lateral tilt position is more appropriate for a patient in the third trimester who is experiencing supine hypotensive syndrome. Administration of diuretics and facilitating a dietary regimen of strict sodium restriction may be indicated for edema management, but not for the presented clinical picture. Ordering a low-protein diet plan for the patient is not the primary intervention for suspected preeclampsia.

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