What finding should a nurse report to the provider for a client who is at 30 weeks of gestation?

When considering the care of a client who is at 30 weeks of gestation, the presence of 2+ urinary protein is significant and should be reported to the healthcare provider. This finding may indicate potential issues such as preeclampsia, a serious condition characterized by hypertension and proteinuria. Early detection and intervention are critical to manage risks for both the mother and the fetus.

Urinary retention, while uncomfortable, is often not an immediate concern at this gestational age unless it is severe or accompanied by other symptoms. Moderate abdominal cramping can also be common as the body undergoes changes, and is often not concerning at this stage unless accompanied by bleeding or other alarming signs. Similarly, an elevated fetal heart rate might indicate fetal distress, but it requires context such as the mother’s overall condition, the time since the last evaluation, and any maternal health issues present. Monitoring these signs is important, yet the detection of protein in the urine is a clear indicator of a possible pathological condition that warrants immediate further evaluation by a provider.