Problem
Reproduction Case Study
Tina is a 42-year-old G1 P0 at 35 weeks of gestation who has been sent to labor and delivery for evaluation from her physician's office. Today at her routine prenatal visit, her blood pressure was 160/95. On chart review, the nurse notes that her first trimester blood pressures were 120s/70s and her second trimester readings were 110s/70s. The third trimester readings were 130s/70s-80s until today.
Task
• What questions should the nurse ask Tina as part of her admission interview?
• What additional physical assessment data should the nurse obtain?
• Tina's physician has ordered induction of labor with an indication of severe preeclampsia. Tina is very worried about having a premature infant and wonders if the induction could be delayed until 37 or 38 weeks of gestation. How can the nurse explain the situation to Tina?
• The nurse must be alert for signs that her preeclampsia is progressing to a more advanced stage. What clinical manifestations would indicate a worsening condition?
• A magnesium sulfate intravenous infusion is initiated. State the primary expected outcome associated with this medication. What is the recommended infusion rate? Identify the signs Tina would exhibit related to magnesium toxicity.