The perinatal nurse is providing care to a 32-year-old G1 TPAL ...

[evelyn o bentley]

The perinatal nurse is providing care to a 32-year-old G1 TPAL 0000 at 34 weeks' gestation. Her blood pressure is 170/100 mm Hg, reflexes are +3, urine is 2+ for protein, and the patient is complaining of a headache.
 
  An intravenous solution of magnesium sulfate is begun with an hourly dose of 2 g. Which laboratory value would be assessed most carefully by the nurse?
  A.
  Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
  B.
  Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase
  C.
  Hematocrit
  D.
  Neutrophil count

Question 2

The perinatal nurse is asked to assess a 35-year-old woman who is a G1 TPAL 0000 at 34 weeks' gestation with a twin gestation. The patient complains of regular contractions with low abdominal pain that moves into the lumbar section of her back.
 
  The perinatal nurse's most appropriate initial nursing action is to do which of the following?
  A.
  Assess the patient's contractions.
  B.
  Initiate continuous fetal monitoring.
  C.
  Reassure the patient and her partner.
  D.
  Review the patient's birth plan.

[ultraflyy23]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Laboratory tests include a complete blood count with platelets, coagulation profile to assess for disseminated intravascular coagulation, metabolic studies for determination of liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase), and electrolyte studies to establish renal functioning. The other laboratory values are not as critical in this situation.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Electronic fetal monitoring is applied in the case of a multiple gestation. It is important to identify each of the individual fetal heart rates, and the use of a separate monitor for each fetus is preferable. The other interventions are also appropriate, but do not take priority over fetal monitoring.

[evelyn o bentley]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[nyrave]

TYSM