The teaching plan for a woman with mild gestational hypertension ...

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The teaching plan for a woman with mild gestational hypertension who is being managed at home should include:
 
  a. Walking at least 30 minutes each day
  b. Checking and recording pulse rate every hour
  c. Trying to eliminate all sodium from the diet
  d. Resting frequently and lying on the left side

Question 2

Before administering magnesium sulfate to a woman with severe gestational hypertension, the nurse assesses her status. Which finding would cause the nurse to withhold the drug?
 
  a. Patellar reflexes +3
  b. Blood pressure 110/86 mm Hg
  c. Respiratory rate 18 breaths/minute
  d. Urinary output 20 mL/hour

[AngeliqueG]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Bed rest in a left-side-lying position improves renal and placental blood flow. The woman should rest in bed as much as possible. She needs to learn to take her blood pressure, which is more important than the pulse in this situation. High-sodium foods should be limited, but elimination of sodium is not recommended.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Magnesium sulfate is primarily excreted by the kidneys. Therefore, if it is given to a patient with inadequate kidney function, it may accumulate and cause toxicity. Urinary output should be at least 30 mL/hr. The other findings are within normal limits.