A client who gave birth 5 hours ago has completely saturated a perineal pad within 15 minutes.
Which action by the nurse should be implemented first?
Assess the fundus.
Begin an IV infusion of Ringer's lactate solution.
Assess vital signs.
Notify the health care provider.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
A saturated perineal pad within 15 minutes suggests a significant hemorrhage. The most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage is uterine atony, a lack of uterine muscle tone. Assessing the fundus first allows the nurse to determine if the uterus is firm or boggy, a key indicator of atony, and to perform a fundal massage if needed to stimulate contractions and reduce bleeding.
Choice B rationale
While an IV infusion may be necessary to restore blood volume, initiating it is not the first action. The nurse must first determine the cause of the bleeding. The fundus assessment provides critical diagnostic information and an immediate opportunity for intervention (massage) that could resolve the bleeding before initiating a fluid resuscitation.
Choice C rationale
Assessing vital signs is important but should not be the first action. In a situation of heavy bleeding, the priority is to identify and address the source of the hemorrhage. A fundal assessment provides this information immediately. Vital signs will change in response to blood loss, but the fundal assessment provides the most direct and immediate action to stop the bleeding.
Choice D rationale
The health care provider must be notified, but this action is not the first step. The nurse must first gather essential assessment data, such as the condition of the fundus, and initiate immediate interventions like a fundal massage if indicated. Notifying the provider without this information will delay appropriate care.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Increasing weight loss is an incorrect characteristic. Nephrotic syndrome is marked by massive proteinuria, which leads to a decrease in plasma oncotic pressure. This fluid shift from the intravascular space to the interstitial space results in significant fluid retention, causing weight gain and edema, not weight loss. The body holds onto fluid, masking any potential muscle or fat wasting.
Choice B rationale
Increased urinary output is not a characteristic of nephrotic syndrome. The condition is associated with severe fluid retention and decreased plasma volume, leading to oliguria, or a decreased urinary output. The kidneys are not effectively filtering protein and fluid is being retained in the body, which directly reduces the amount of fluid that can be excreted as urine.
Choice C rationale
Generalized edema is the most common and striking characteristic of nephrotic syndrome. The massive loss of protein, particularly albumin, in the urine leads to a significant decrease in serum albumin levels. Albumin is crucial for maintaining plasma oncotic pressure. The resulting decrease in oncotic pressure causes fluid to shift from the bloodstream into the interstitial spaces, resulting in widespread or anasarca edema.
Choice D rationale
While hypertension can occur, it is not the most common characteristic associated with nephrotic syndrome. The primary physiological change is the massive proteinuria leading to hypoproteinemia and subsequent edema. Hypertension may develop as a result of volume overload, but it is not a hallmark sign. The most prominent and defining symptom is the severe edema.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Chronic anemia is not a primary complication of Kawasaki syndrome. The disease process is a vasculitis that primarily affects medium-sized arteries, leading to inflammation and damage. The acute inflammatory state can cause temporary anemia, but it is not a chronic sequela prevented by IVIG and aspirin.
Choice B rationale
Cardiac arrhythmias are not the primary long-term complication targeted by IVIG and aspirin therapy. The main concern is the weakening of the coronary artery walls due to inflammation, which can lead to the formation of aneurysms. Arrhythmias can occur but are not the main focus of this specific treatment.
Choice C rationale
Acute respiratory distress is not a typical complication of Kawasaki syndrome. The syndrome is a systemic vasculitis, not a primary pulmonary disease. Respiratory symptoms like cough or runny nose are part of the initial presentation but are not the serious, life-threatening complication that IVIG and aspirin are given to prevent.
Choice D rationale
Coronary artery aneurysms are the most serious long-term complication of Kawasaki syndrome. The intense inflammation of the blood vessel walls, known as vasculitis, can lead to weakening and bulging of the coronary arteries. High-dose aspirin and IVIG reduce this systemic inflammation, thereby preventing the formation of these aneurysms.
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