Inpatient Obstetric Nurse (NCC) Practice Exam

Monitoring maternal blood pressure is crucial in a patient with gestational hypertension because this condition is characterized by high blood pressure that usually develops after the 20th week of pregnancy. Elevated maternal blood pressure can lead to serious complications for both the mother and the fetus, including preeclampsia, eclampsia, and placental abruption. Therefore, regular assessment of blood pressure helps in timely identification of any worsening of the condition, allowing for appropriate interventions to be taken to ensure the safety of both mother and child.

While assessing fetal heart rate, maternal weight gain, and urinary output are important components of prenatal care and can provide valuable insights into the overall health of the mother and the fetus, they do not take precedence over maternal blood pressure monitoring in the context of gestational hypertension. Fetal heart rate assessment is crucial, especially if there are signs of distress, but it is secondary to the immediate risks associated with severe hypertension. Maternal weight gain can indicate nutritional issues or fluid retention but is less critical in the acute management of hypertension. Urinary output may be relevant in cases of severe preeclampsia, but monitoring blood pressure directly addresses the primary concern with gestational hypertension.