A client at 39-weeks gestation presents to labor and delivery with contractions occurring at regular intervals. Her obstetrical history includes a miscarriage at 16-weeks gestation and fetal demise at 31-weeks gestation.
How should the practical nurse (PN) record the client's gravida?
Gravida 4.
Gravida 2.
Gravida 1.
Gravida 3.
The Correct Answer is D
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A soft, spongy fundus, often described as boggy, indicates uterine atony. This condition means the uterine muscles are not contracting effectively, which is abnormal postpartum and significantly increases the risk of postpartum hemorrhage due to inadequate compression of uterine blood vessels.
Choice B rationale
Unilateral lower leg pain, especially accompanied by warmth, redness, or swelling, is an abnormal finding and can be indicative of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Postpartum women are at an increased risk for DVT due to hypercoagulability and venous stasis, making this a critical assessment requiring immediate attention.
Choice C rationale
Saturating two perineal pads per hour is an excessive amount of lochia and suggests postpartum hemorrhage. Normal lochia flow should not saturate more than one pad per hour in the immediate postpartum period, indicating that the uterus is not contracting adequately to control bleeding.
Choice D rationale
A heart rate of 56 beats/minute, also known as puerperal bradycardia, is considered a normal physiological finding for a primigravida client 12 hours postpartum. This transient bradycardia often occurs due to the increased stroke volume and cardiac output that result from the significant decrease in uterine blood flow after delivery.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
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.
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