A 28-year-old female client is admitted to the labor and delivery unit at 0700hrs. She is 34 weeks pregnant and reports having low back pain and frequent urination since last night. She mentions that urination is painful and she can only pass a small amount each time.

Exhibits

Given the client’s symptoms and the progression of her condition, the nurse suspects that the client may be experiencing complications related to preterm labor and a possible urinary tract infection (UTI). For each characteristic in the table, select whether it is more likely to be associated with preterm labor, a urinary tract infection (UTI), or both. Each column must have at least one response option selected. Candidates can select as many options as apply for each column.

Choice A rationale
Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter is not the immediate next step. While it may be necessary in some cases, the priority is to address the client’s excessive bleeding, which is a sign of postpartum hemorrhage.
Choice B rationale
Administering oxytocin by continuous IV infusion is a common intervention for postpartum hemorrhage. However, it is not the immediate next step. The nurse should first attempt to massage the client’s fundus to promote contractions and control bleeding.
Choice C rationale
Massaging the client’s fundus is the correct next step. The client’s symptoms indicate postpartum hemorrhage, a serious condition that can lead to shock and other complications. Fundal massage often helps the uterus contract and can stop the bleeding.
Choice D rationale
Tilting the client onto her right side with her legs elevated to at least 30 degrees is not the immediate next step. This position can help improve venous return but does not directly address the cause of the client’s symptoms.

Choice A rationale
Administering oxytocin infusion is usually done to stimulate uterine contractions and prevent postpartum hemorrhage. However, it’s not the first action to take when the client’s blood pressure is low.

Choice B rationale
Evaluating the firmness of the uterus is crucial in this situation. A soft or “boggy” uterus could indicate uterine atony, a condition that can lead to serious postpartum hemorrhage. This could be the cause of the client’s low blood pressure.
Choice C rationale
Initiating oxygen therapy by non-rebreather mask can help increase the client’s oxygen saturation levels, but it doesn’t address the underlying cause of the low blood pressure.
Choice D rationale
Obtaining a type and crossmatch is important if the client needs a blood transfusion. However, it’s not the first action to take. The nurse should first assess for possible causes of the low blood pressure.