MEDizzy - A client at 15 weeks’ gestation is admitted with dark brown

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Abnormal Pregnancy

A client at 15 weeks’ gestation is admitted with dark brown vaginal bleeding and continuous nausea and vomiting. Her blood pressure is 142/98 and fundal height is 19 cm. The nurse should prepare to do which of the following?

ExplanationThe nurse should prepare the client for an ultrasound to determine the cause of the symptoms. Elevated blood pressure at this point in the pregnancy could indicate chronic hypertension as well as hydatidiform mole. The fundal height of 19 cm is higher than is typically found at 15 weeks’ gestation and is indicative of a molar pregnancy (hydatidiform mole). The dark brown vaginal bleeding in isolation could indicate an abortion but when placed in the context of the other symptoms is likely related to a hydatidiform mole. The continuous nausea and vomiting is abnormal at this point in the pregnancy and can be a result of the high levels of progesterone from a molar pregnancy. There is no fetus involved; the blood pressure elevation and continuous nausea and vomiting will resolve with the evacuation of the mole, negating the need for magnesium sulfate therapy and placing the client on NPO status.