A 36-year-old patient who is gravida 5 para 5 (G5P5) was transferred to the postpartum unit 1 hour after delivery of a 9 lb 1 oz (4.1 kg) female.
She was in labor for 25 hours and forceps were used to assist with the delivery.
She was given an epidural for anesthesia that was effective.
The labor and delivery nurse reported that the patient had a 4th degree laceration, and her pain was currently at a 4 on a 0 to 10 pain scale.
Her vital signs were stable.
Based on the assessment data, the nurse recognizes the need to intervene immediately.
Select the 5 priority interventions that the nurse should initiate based on the recent assessment.

Choice A rationale

Asking the patient how often episodes of sundowning are experienced is more relevant in assessing cognitive function, particularly in patients with dementia. It is not directly related to the patient’s weight loss or decreased energy and appetite.

Choice B rationale

Inquiring about the frequency of falls in recent months is crucial in a functional assessment of an older patient who has lost weight and reports a decrease in energy and appetite. Weight loss and decreased energy can increase the risk of falls, which can lead to serious injuries and further functional decline.

Choice C rationale

Requesting the patient to lie as still as possible for the assessment is not directly related to the patient’s weight loss or decreased energy and appetite. It might be necessary for certain physical examinations or procedures, but it is not the most relevant action in this context.

Choice D rationale

Assisting the patient with clarifying values about end-of-life care options is an important aspect of geriatric care, especially in patients with serious illnesses. However, it is not directly related to the patient’s weight loss or decreased energy and appetite.

Choice A rationale

Uterine atony refers to a condition where the uterus fails to contract sufficiently during and after childbirth. This lack of contraction can lead to excessive bleeding, also known as postpartum hemorrhage. This is because the contractions of the uterus after delivery help to compress the blood vessels and prevent bleeding. Therefore, uterine atony can cause a patient to hemorrhage.

Choice B rationale

Wound dehiscence refers to a surgical complication where an incision reopens either internally or externally. It can cause pain, infection, and organ protrusion. However, it is not directly associated with hemorrhaging.

Choice C rationale

Infection refers to the invasion of tissues by pathogens, their multiplication, and the reaction of host tissues to the infectious agent and the toxins they produce. While severe infections can lead to sepsis and disseminated intravascular coagulation, which can cause bleeding, they do not directly cause hemorrhaging.

Choice D rationale

Hemorrhage is a symptom, not a condition. It refers to excessive bleeding which can occur due to various conditions, including uterine atony.