The following are assessment finding for a client with pre-eclampsia: blood pressure 158/100; urinary output 50 mL/hour; lungs clear to auscultation; urine protein 11 on dipstick; edema of the hands, and feet. On the next hourly assessment, which new assessment finding would be an indication of worsening of the pre-eclampsia

1) Blood pressure 158/104

2) urinary output 20ml per hour

3) Reflexes 21

4) Platelet count 150,000

Answer: The correct answer is (2) urinary output 20ml per hour

Explanation:

Preeclampsia is a condition in pregnant women, or could develop after delievry, where her blood pressure rises significantly, >140/90 mmHg (recorded on two occasions, atleast 4 hours apart). Moreover urine test indicates protein in her urine (proteinuria), swelling particularly of hands, legs and feet (edema), severe headaches along with many other symtoms.

On the next hourly assessment,

• The client's BP was recorded as 158/104, which is almost the same as it was initially recorded, i. e 158/100, which means her BP did not rise significantly.

•The client's reflexes are normal

•The client's platelet count is normal too, although it is on a lower side (normal range is between 150,000-450,000)

•Decrease in urinary output (20ml/hr) is an indication of worsening of preeclampsia because this indicates there is decreased renal perfusion which may subsequently lead to decreased GFR (glomerular filtration rate).