A 25-year-old client experienced a severe postpartum hemorrhage following the vaginal birth of twins and is now transferred to the postpartum unit.
What complication should the nurse prioritize during the client’s assessment?
Hard, painful uterine afterpains.
Disseminated intravascular coagulation.
Postpartum psychosis.
Placenta accreta.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
While hard, painful uterine afterpains can be uncomfortable for the patient, they are a normal part of the postpartum period and are not typically a priority complication following a severe postpartum hemorrhage16.
Choice B rationale
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a serious condition that can occur as a complication of severe postpartum hemorrhage. It involves an overactive clotting process leading to the formation of small blood clots that can block blood vessels and cause significant organ damage16.
Choice C rationale
Postpartum psychosis is a serious mental health disorder that can occur after childbirth. However, it is not directly related to postpartum hemorrhage and would not typically be the priority complication in this scenario16.
Choice D rationale
Placenta accreta is a condition where the placenta grows too deeply into the uterine wall. While it can cause severe bleeding after delivery, it would not typically be a priority complication to assess for following a severe postpartum hemorrhage16.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While monitoring the client’s vital signs is an important part of postpartum care, it would not directly address the issue of a boggy uterus that is displaced above and to the right of the umbilicus.
Choice B rationale
Notifying the healthcare provider is important, but it would not be the first action to take. The nurse should first attempt to address the issue.
Choice C rationale
Inspecting the perineal pad could provide information about the client’s postpartum bleeding, but it would not directly address the issue of a boggy uterus that is displaced above and to the right of the umbilicus.
Choice D rationale
Encouraging the client to void is the correct action. A full bladder can displace the uterus, preventing it from contracting properly. By emptying the bladder, the uterus may be able to contract and return to its normal position.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
In a situation where a client at 28 weeks gestation is in preterm labor and it is not expected that the fetus will survive after delivery, the nurse’s initial action should be to contact spiritual support services. This can provide much-needed emotional and spiritual support to the client during this difficult time.
Choice B rationale
While providing information about an autopsy might be necessary at some point, it should not be the initial action. The first response should be focused on providing emotional support.
Choice C rationale
Discussing neonatal resuscitation options might not be appropriate in this scenario, especially if it’s not expected that the fetus will survive. The initial focus should be on providing emotional support.
Choice D rationale
Contacting the organ donation organization is not the initial action to take in this situation. The first response should be providing emotional and spiritual support to the client.
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