The nurse is performing an assessment on a client who is one day postpartum and is being monitored for preeclampsia.
Which clinical manifestation would indicate the client is recovering from preeclampsia?
The nurse is performing an assessment on a client who is one day postpartum and is being monitored for preeclampsia.
Which clinical manifestation would indicate the client is recovering from preeclampsia?
A. weight gain of 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) in the past 24 hours
[3%]
B. decreased urinary output
[9%]
C. increased protein in the urine
[8%]
D. increased urinary output
[80%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Maternal & Newborn Health
Lesson
Postpartum
Client Need
Test Plan
Health Promotion and Maintenance
Related Topic
Ante/Intra/Postpartum and Newborn Care
Item Type
Item Type
Application
Explanation
Choice D is correct. A sign that preeclampsia is resolving and that the client is recovering is when the client starts to have increased urinary output. This increased urinary output is associated with diuresis. This diuresis causes the excess fluid volume to be depleted thereby normalizing blood volume and blood pressure.
Choice A is incorrect. Weight gain would indicate that the client is retaining fluid (1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds = 1 liter of water). This increase in fluid volume is not a sign that the client is recovering from preeclampsia; rather, it is likely an indicator that the client has increased blood pressure, which is a cardinal manifestation of preeclampsia.
Choice B is incorrect. An increase in urinary output - not a decrease, would be an optimal finding. The increased urinary output would indicate that the excessive fluid volume contributing to high blood pressure is receding. A decrease in urinary output would suggest a potential insult to the kidneys, which is a feature of severe preeclampsia.
Choice C is incorrect. An increase in the protein in the urine would signify worsening preeclampsia. Proteinuria is a distinguishing factor between gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. If the client were recovering from the preeclampsia, the urine analysis would show a reduction in the amount of protein in the urine.
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4 Key Topics
Preeclampsia
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Additional Info
Signs that the woman is recovering from preeclampsia include the following:
✓ Diuresis—Increased urinary output, which causes a rapid reduction in edema and rapid weight loss
✓ Decreased protein in the urine
✓ Return of blood pressure to normal
✓ Resolution of abnormal laboratory values
