Question

A home care nurse visits a pregnant client with a diagnosis of mild preeclampsia. During the assessment, the client tells the nurse that she has had an upset stomach and pain in the epigastric area. The nurse most appropriately:

a) Administers an antacid
b) Encourages the client to eat a heavy meal
c) Advises the client to lie down and rest
d) Notifies the healthcare provider immediately

Answer 1

When a pregnant client with mild preeclampsia reports an upset stomach and epigastric pain, the home care nurse should notify the healthcare provider immediately.

Step-by-step explanation:

Mild preeclampsia is a condition that affects pregnant women and is characterized by high blood pressure and organ damage. One symptom of preeclampsia is epigastric pain, which can indicate liver involvement. Therefore, the nurse should notify the healthcare provider immediately to ensure proper medical attention and evaluation of the client's condition. This is important because preeclampsia can progress rapidly and pose risks to both the mother and the baby.