A client at 15 weeks' gestation has just been advised she has ...

[lbcchick]

A client at 15 weeks' gestation has just been advised she has tested positive for syphilis. The client is tearful and inquires about the risk to her infant. Which of the elements will be included in the management of the condition? Select all that apply.
 
  1. The client will be treated with IV antibiotic therapy during the prenatal period.
  2. The sexual partners of the client will require notification and testing.
  3. The client will begin antibiotic therapy at this time.
  4. The client will begin antibiotic therapy after birth of the baby.
  5. The fetus will require intrauterine management for the condition.

Question 2

The nurse is examining a client in the third trimester of pregnancy. Which finding would require immediate intervention by the nurse?
 
  1. Pulse of 98 beats per minute.
  2. Weight gain of 1.5 pounds in a month.
  3. Blood pressure of 148/94 mmHg.
  4. Respiratory rate of 26 per minute.

[lcapri7]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 2, 3
The client will begin treatment at the time of diagnosis. Allowing the client to wait until after the birth of the baby would prolong exposure to the pathogen. The condition will be managed with oral antibiotic therapy. Syphilis is a communicable disease. It is the legal responsibility of the healthcare facility to perform the appropriate reporting. The sexual partners of the client must be notified, tested, and treated if indicated. IV antibiotic therapy is not indicated. Infants who are infected with syphilis will be treated after birth. Therapies are not indicated for the fetus.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 3
A pregnant client's blood pressure should not be greater than 140/90, and if elevated could be a sign of gestational hypertension or preeclampsia. The pregnant client's heart and respiratory rates will increase slightly due to an increased circulatory volume and a decrease in intrathoracic space. Weight gain should be one pound per month in the second and third trimesters.

[lbcchick]

Thank you

[lcapri7]

Happy to help you