Final answer:
A client presenting with swelling of the face, blurred vision, and epigastric discomfort at 36 weeks' pregnant could indicate preeclampsia, which requires immediate medical attention to ensure the health of both the mother and fetus.
Step-by-step explanation:
Potential Complications in Late Pregnancy
A client who is 36 weeks' pregnant and presents with swelling of the face, blurred vision, and epigastric discomfort might be experiencing symptoms of preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organ systems, most often the liver and kidneys. These symptoms could potentially lead to more serious complications such as eclampsia, which is the development of seizures in a woman with preeclampsia. In the third trimester, the uterus expands rapidly, potentially leading to symptoms such as back pain, swelling of the lower extremities, and more frequent urination. However, the symptoms described by the student specifically point towards a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy.
Swelling of the face, alongside the other symptoms, suggests the condition could be serious, as this combination of symptoms can often be associated with high blood pressure and proteinuria. Given the stage of pregnancy (36 weeks), it is important that such symptoms are not disregarded as they may signify that immediate medical intervention is required to protect both the mother and fetus.
The best course of action for the nurse in this situation would be to immediately assess the blood pressure and check for proteinuria. If preeclampsia is suspected, the health care provider should be notified and preparations for potential delivery might be required, depending on the severity of the condition and the well-being of the mother and baby.