Question

When is it most important for the nurse to assess a pregnant client's deep tendon reflexes (DTRS)?

a. Within the first trimester of pregnancy.

b. During admission to labor and delivery.

c. When the client has ankle edema.

d. If the client has an elevated blood pressure.

Answer 1

A nurse should assess a pregnant client's deep tendon reflexes most importantly if the client has an elevated blood pressure to check for signs of pre-eclampsia.

Step-by-step explanation:

It is most important for the nurse to assess a pregnant client's deep tendon reflexes (DTRs) d. If the client has an elevated blood pressure. This is because heightened reflexes can be an indicator of pre-eclampsia, a serious condition that occurs during pregnancy and can affect both the mother and the unborn baby. An elevated blood pressure may suggest the need for further investigation into possible pre-eclampsia, and the assessment of DTRs can provide additional information to guide diagnosis and management.