Question

A maternity unit nurse is creating a plan of care for a client with severe preeclampsia who will be admitted to the nursing unit. The nurse should include which nursing intervention in the plan?

Option 1: Restrict food and fluids.
Option 2: Reduce external stimuli.
Option 3: Monitor blood glucose levels.
Option 4: Maintain the client in a supine position.

Answer 1

For a client with severe preeclampsia, the nurse should include reducing external stimuli in the plan of care to help manage stress levels and blood pressure, which are critical factors in the management of preeclampsia.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nursing intervention that should be included in the plan of care for a client with severe preeclampsia is Option 2: Reduce external stimuli. Preeclampsia is a condition characterized by high blood pressure and proteinuria after the 20th week of pregnancy. It can lead to serious, even fatal, complications for both mother and baby if not properly managed. Reducing external stimuli can help manage stress levels and blood pressure. Additionally, care plans typically include monitoring blood pressure, administering prescribed medications, and frequently assessing fetal health. Maintaining the patient in a left lateral position rather than supine is also advised to optimize uteroplacental perfusion and prevent vena cava compression which can further compromise uteroplacental blood flow.