What treatment is indicated for a patient diagnosed with pre-eclampsia?

Prepare for the ANCC Family Nurse Practitioner Test. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations to succeed. Ace your exam!

The appropriate treatment indicated for a patient diagnosed with pre-eclampsia is bedrest and laying on the side. This position, particularly lying on the left side, is often recommended because it can improve blood flow and reduce pressure on the vena cava, which may help to alleviate swelling and improve outcomes for both the mother and the fetus.

In managing pre-eclampsia, the focus is primarily on monitoring and maintaining maternal and fetal health, rather than aggressive interventions or activities. Bedrest allows the patient to reduce stress and prevent further complications associated with the condition. Depending on the severity, closer monitoring or hospitalization may be required.

In contrast, increased physical activity is not advisable as it could exacerbate the mother's hypertension and potentially complicate the pregnancy. Surgery to remove the fetus is not a primary treatment unless pre-eclampsia progresses to severe stages or there are significant health risks for the mother or baby. Insulin administration is also not appropriate unless the patient has gestational diabetes, as it does not directly address the underlying hypertension associated with pre-eclampsia. The postpartum phase may require monitoring for symptoms, but the immediate focus for pre-eclampsia treatment prior to delivery emphasizes rest and observation.

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