RN Exam Practice
Reduction of Risk PotentialQuestion 1016 of 2368

A client at 33 weeks of gestation reports swelling of the face and hands in addition to swollen ankles. Which response by the nurse is best?

  1. Explain that edema is expected in late pregnancy and needs no follow-up.
  2. Tell the client to restrict all fluids.
  3. Teach the client to use a maternity belt and recheck at the next visit.
  4. Report the generalized edema to the provider because it can be a sign of preeclampsia.
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Correct answer: Report the generalized edema to the provider because it can be a sign of preeclampsia.

Dependent edema is common, but increasing generalized edema may signal preeclampsia and should be reported.

Source: Nursing Health Promotion (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2025), Antepartum Care: Edema. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Reduction of Risk Potential"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026