The nurse knows that the best time to assess a woman's blood ...

[gbarreiro]

The nurse knows that the best time to assess a woman's blood pressure during an initial prenatal visit is:
 
  a. At the end of the examination when she will be the most relaxed.
  b. At the beginning of the interview as a nonthreatening method of gaining rapport.
  c. During the middle of the physical examination when she is the most comfortable.
  d. Before beginning the pelvic examination because her blood pressure will be higher after the pelvic examination.

Question 2

When assessing a woman who is in her third trimester of pregnancy, the nurse looks for the classic symptoms associated with preeclampsia, which include:
 
  a. Edema, headaches, and seizures.
  b. Elevated blood pressure and proteinuria. c.
  Elevated liver enzymes and high platelet counts.
  d. Decreased blood pressure and edema.

[Jossy]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Assessing the woman's blood pressure at the end of the examination, when it is hoped that she will be most relaxed, is the best time to assess blood pressure. The other options are not correct.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
The classic symptoms of preeclampsia are hypertension and proteinuria. Headaches may occur with worsening symptoms, and seizures may occur if preeclampsia is left untreated and leads to eclampsia. A serious variant of preeclampsia, the hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome, is an ominous picture. Edema is a common occurrence in pregnancy.