Step 1 is: Convert pounds to kilograms. 58 pounds ÷ 2.2 pounds/kg = 26.36 kg.

Step 2 is: Calculate the total milligrams per dose. 1 mg/kg × 26.36 kg = 26.36 mg.

Step 3 is: Calculate the volume to administer per dose. 26.36 mg ÷ (40 mg/mL) = 0.659 mL.

Step 4 is: Round to the nearest tenth. 0.7 mL.

Choice A rationale

Administering ibuprofen, an NSAID, can alleviate pain by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, reducing inflammation. However, increased pain and pressure postpartum, especially with a laceration, could indicate complications like a hematoma. Normal pain is expected, but increasing pain warrants further assessment, as it could mask a worsening condition and delay necessary intervention.

Choice B rationale

Increased pain and pressure postpartum after a vaginal delivery, especially with a second-degree perineal laceration, could signal a perineal hematoma. This condition involves blood accumulation in the tissue, causing significant pain and pressure. Notifying the healthcare provider is crucial for immediate assessment, diagnosis, and potential intervention to prevent further complications.

Choice C rationale

Applying an ice pack to the perineum is a common intervention for pain and swelling after a vaginal delivery and laceration repair. Cold therapy induces vasoconstriction, which reduces blood flow to the area, thereby minimizing edema and inflammation. This can provide localized pain relief, but for increasing pain, it might only offer symptomatic relief without addressing the underlying cause.

Choice D rationale

Routine perineal care, including cleansing and hygiene, is essential for preventing infection and promoting healing after a vaginal delivery and laceration. It helps remove lochia and bacteria, maintaining a clean environment. While crucial for recovery, routine care does not directly address or alleviate increasing pain and pressure that could indicate a complication like a hematoma.

Choice A rationale

Involution is the process by which the uterus returns to its non-pregnant state, involving uterine contractions that decrease uterine size and minimize blood loss. Problems with involution, such as subinvolution, would typically present with prolonged lochial discharge and a boggy uterus, not primarily severe cramping immediately following breastfeeding.

Choice B rationale

An ileus is a temporary lack of normal muscle contractions in the intestines, leading to a build-up of food material. This condition would manifest as abdominal distension, absent bowel sounds, nausea, and vomiting. While possible post-delivery, it is not directly related to breastfeeding and would not typically cause severe cramping immediately after nursing.

Choice C rationale

A retained placenta refers to fragments of the placenta remaining in the uterus after delivery. This condition typically causes persistent postpartum bleeding, uterine atony, and a risk of infection. While it can cause uterine cramping due to the body's attempts to expel the tissue, the severe cramping immediately after breastfeeding is more directly related to hormonal release.

Choice D rationale

Breastfeeding stimulates the release of oxytocin from the posterior pituitary gland. Oxytocin is a hormone that causes uterine contractions, which are essential for uterine involution and preventing postpartum hemorrhage by compressing blood vessels. These contractions, often referred to as "afterpains," are more pronounced during breastfeeding due to the surge in oxytocin.

Choice A rationale

Rho immune globulin (RhoGAM) is administered to Rh-negative mothers who have given birth to an Rh-positive baby. This injection prevents the mother's immune system from developing antibodies against Rh-positive red blood cells, which could otherwise harm future Rh-positive fetuses in subsequent pregnancies through hemolytic disease of the newborn.

Choice B rationale

If the mother is Rh positive and the baby is Rh negative, there is no risk of Rh incompatibility. The Rh-positive mother's immune system will not produce antibodies against the Rh-negative fetal red blood cells, as she already possesses the Rh antigen. Therefore, Rho immune globulin is not indicated in this scenario, as there is no sensitization risk.

Choice C rationale

When both the mother and the baby are Rh negative, there is no Rh incompatibility. Since neither the mother nor the baby has the Rh antigen, the mother's immune system will not be stimulated to produce anti-Rh antibodies. Consequently, Rho immune globulin administration is unnecessary in this situation, as no immune response will be triggered.

Choice D rationale

The Rh status of the father is relevant in determining the potential for Rh incompatibility, but it does not directly dictate the need for Rho immune globulin. The critical factor is the Rh status of the mother and the baby. If the mother is Rh positive, regardless of the father's Rh status, she will not produce Rh antibodies, and RhoGAM is not indicated.

Choice A rationale

Sweet potatoes are a gluten-free root vegetable. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and their consumption is safe for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. The presence of antigliadin and antiendomysial antibodies indicates a gluten-related disorder, necessitating avoidance of gluten-containing grains, not sweet potatoes.

Choice B rationale

Wheat bread contains gluten, a protein complex found in wheat, barley, and rye. Antigliadin and antiendomysial antibodies are serological markers for celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten ingestion, leading to small intestinal damage. Therefore, individuals with these antibodies must avoid gluten-containing foods like wheat bread to prevent symptomatic flares and intestinal damage.

Choice C rationale

Orange juice is a gluten-free beverage, primarily composed of water, sugars, and vitamins. It does not contain any gluten-derived proteins. Its consumption is safe for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, as it will not elicit an immune response or contribute to intestinal damage in those with antigliadin and antiendomysial antibodies.

Choice D rationale

Swiss cheese is a dairy product and naturally gluten-free. It consists primarily of milk proteins, fats, and calcium, with no gluten-containing grains. Individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can safely consume Swiss cheese without triggering an immune response, as it does not contain the specific proteins that activate antigliadin and antiendomysial antibodies.

Choice A rationale

Methylergonovine is an ergot alkaloid that directly stimulates sustained uterine contractions. This action is crucial in controlling postpartum hemorrhage by compressing blood vessels within the myometrium, thereby reducing blood loss. The observed excessive bleeding with this delivery necessitates intervention to prevent complications like hypovolemic shock. Its pharmacological effect targets smooth muscle receptors in the uterus.

Choice B rationale

Routine prescription based solely on parity (number of previous pregnancies) is not standard medical practice. Methylergonovine is administered based on clinical indication, primarily to prevent or manage postpartum hemorrhage, which is determined by factors like uterine atony or excessive bleeding, not simply the number of previous births. Unnecessary administration can lead to adverse effects.

Choice C rationale

While methylergonovine does contract the uterus and prevent excess bleeding, this response is a general statement. The best response directly addresses the client's current situation and her question about why *she* is receiving it *this time*. It is crucial to explain the specific clinical reason for her individual prescription, which in this context is likely due to the increased bleeding.

Choice D rationale

This response shifts the responsibility back to the client and does not provide the requested information. It fails to address the client's direct question about the medication's purpose in her specific situation. Providing clear and concise information is essential for client education and adherence to the treatment plan.

Choice A rationale

Cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, but it is not a primary source of iron. Iron is essential for hemoglobin synthesis, and the client's hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are below normal ranges [Hemoglobin, pregnant female > 11 g/dL ( > 110 g/L); Hematocrit, pregnant female > 33% ( > 0.33 volume fraction)], indicating iron deficiency anemia.

Choice B rationale

Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable rich in vitamin C and fiber, but its iron content is relatively low. While vitamin C aids in iron absorption, cauliflower itself does not provide a significant amount of dietary iron to effectively address the client's anemic status.

Choice C rationale

Carrots are well-known for their beta-carotene content, a precursor to vitamin A, and provide fiber. However, carrots are not a significant source of iron. To combat iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy, foods rich in heme iron or non-heme iron with good bioavailability are required.

Choice D rationale

Chicken, particularly the dark meat, is a good source of heme iron, which is more readily absorbed by the body compared to non-heme iron found in plant-based foods. Given the client's anemic status, increasing dietary intake of iron-rich foods like chicken is crucial for improving hemoglobin and hematocrit levels.

Choice A rationale

Propping a bottle can lead to several adverse outcomes for an infant. It increases the risk of aspiration, as the infant may not be able to control the milk flow adequately. It can also contribute to otitis media due to milk pooling in the eustachian tubes and is associated with dental caries, particularly bottle mouth syndrome, and impaired bonding.

Choice B rationale

Sharing the observation with the charge nurse without first addressing the issue directly with the mother is not the most immediate or appropriate action. The PN should first attempt to educate and guide the mother, as this is within the scope of practice for direct client care and education.

Choice C rationale

Asking the mother if she is too tired is speculative and may be perceived as judgmental, potentially creating a barrier to effective communication and education. The PN's role is to provide health education and guidance regarding safe infant feeding practices, focusing on the behavior rather than the mother's perceived fatigue.

Choice D rationale

While observing the infant's behavior during feeding is important for a comprehensive assessment, the immediate and most critical action is to intervene with the unsafe practice of bottle propping. Observing further without addressing the identified risk delays necessary education and intervention to ensure infant safety.

The correct answer is Choice D.

Choice A rationale: This choice incorrectly counts four pregnancies. Scientifically, gravida includes all confirmed pregnancies, but only those that actually occurred. The client has had one miscarriage, one fetal demise, and is currently pregnant—totaling three pregnancies. Counting four would imply an additional pregnancy that did not occur. Overestimating gravida can lead to inaccurate obstetric records and misinterpretation of reproductive history, which may affect clinical decision-making and risk assessment.

Choice B rationale: This choice undercounts the total number of pregnancies by only including two. It likely omits either the miscarriage or the current pregnancy. Scientifically, all pregnancies are counted in gravida, regardless of gestational age or outcome. Miscarriages and fetal demises are included. Underreporting gravida can lead to incomplete obstetric history, which may compromise prenatal care and risk evaluation during labor and delivery.

Choice C rationale: This choice significantly underestimates the gravida by counting only one pregnancy. It may reflect a misunderstanding that only the current or viable pregnancies are included. However, from a clinical standpoint, gravida includes all pregnancies, including those that ended in miscarriage or fetal demise. Accurate gravida documentation is essential for assessing maternal risk factors and planning appropriate obstetric care.

Choice D rationale: This is the correct interpretation. The client has had three pregnancies: one miscarriage at 16 weeks, one fetal demise at 31 weeks, and the current pregnancy at 39 weeks. Scientifically, gravida includes all pregnancies regardless of outcome. This total of three pregnancies makes her gravida 3. Accurate documentation of gravida is crucial for understanding reproductive history and guiding prenatal and intrapartum care.

Choice A rationale

Uterine muscle tone is the highest priority assessment postpartum, especially after a large infant delivery. A boggy uterus indicates uterine atony, a leading cause of postpartum hemorrhage. The uterus must contract firmly to compress blood vessels and prevent excessive bleeding. Prompt intervention is crucial to prevent hypovolemic shock. Normal uterine tone is firm and midline.

Choice B rationale

Vulvo-perineal tissues and episiotomy assessment is important to identify hematomas or excessive swelling. While significant, these are typically less life-threatening in the immediate postpartum period compared to uterine atony. Hematomas can cause pain and pressure, and wound integrity is vital for infection prevention.

Choice C rationale

Body temperature assessment is important to detect fever, which could indicate infection. Postpartum infection is a concern, but hypovolemic shock from hemorrhage is a more immediate and critical threat to maternal well-being. Normal postpartum temperature is typically below 38°C (100.4°F).

Choice D rationale

Breast engorgement and nipple integrity are important for promoting successful breastfeeding and preventing complications like mastitis. However, these are not immediate life-threatening concerns in the initial hours after delivery. Early assessment focuses on maternal physiological stability.