Author Question: A formerly normotensive woman, pregnant for the first time, develops hypertension and headaches at ... (Read 92 times)

KimWrice · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A formerly normotensive woman, pregnant for the first time, develops hypertension and headaches at 26 weeks' gestation. Her blood pressure is 154/110 mm Hg, and she has proteinuria.

What other lab tests should be ordered for her?
A)
Plasma angiotensin I and II and renin
B)
Urinary sodium and potassium
C)
Platelet count, serum creatinine, and liver enzymes
D)
Urinary catecholamines and metabolites

Question 2

An IV drug abuser walks into the ED telling the nurse that, he is sick. He looks feverish with flushed, moist skin; dehydrated with dry lips/mucous membranes; and fatigued. The assessment reveals a loud murmur.

An echocardiogram was ordered that shows a large vegetation growing on his mitral valve. The patient is admitted to the ICU. The nurse will be assessing this patient for which possible life-threatening complications?
A)
Systemic emboli, especially to the brain
B)
Petechial hemorrhages under the skin and nail beds
C)
GI upset from the massive amount of antibiotics required to kill the bacteria
D)
Pancreas enlargement due to increased need for insulin secretion

matt95 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Ans:
C

Feedback:

This woman shows signs and symptoms of preeclampsia. A low platelet count with elevated serum creatinine and liver enzymes would reinforce this diagnosis. The other tests might indicate kidney problems or the presence of a pheochromocytoma, but her symptoms do not indicate a need for these tests.

Answer to Question 2

Ans:
A

Feedback:

Systemic emboli develop and break off the mitral valve and travel into the vascular system. There is a high probability that the emboli could lodge in the brain, kidneys, lower extremities, etc. Answer choice B refers that petechial hemorrhages are signs and symptoms of IE. GI upset is common following antibiotic therapy but is not usually life threatening. Stress can increase insulin needs but not associated with pancreas enlargement.