Question

A nurse is assessing a client who is at 38 weeks of gestation during a weekly prenatal visit. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

A. Leg cramps
B. Braxton Hicks contractions
C. Diplopia
D. Edema of the hands and face

Answer 1

The nurse should report diplopia to the provider as it is not a normal finding during pregnancy and could indicate a serious condition. Other symptoms like leg cramps, Braxton Hicks contractions, and edema can be common, but severe edema with other symptoms may also require medical attention.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse assessing a client who is at 38 weeks of gestation should report diplopia to the provider. Diplopia, or double vision, is not a normal finding during pregnancy and could be a sign of more serious conditions, such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes. In contrast, leg cramps, Braxton Hicks contractions, and edema of the hands and face can be common findings in late pregnancy. However, if the edema is severe or accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as high blood pressure or proteinuria, it should also be reported, as it may signal the onset of preeclampsia.