A nurse is assessing a client who gave birth 12 hours ago and is experiencing excessive vaginal bleeding.
Which of the following findings indicates the client is experiencing decreased cardiac output?
Bradycardia.
Flushed face.
Hypotension.
Polyuria.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Bradycardia, or a heart rate below 60 beats per minute, is inconsistent with decreased cardiac output in this context. Tachycardia is a more typical compensatory response to significant blood loss postpartum.
Choice B rationale
A flushed face is not a physiological indicator of decreased cardiac output. Decreased cardiac output commonly leads to pallor and cool, clammy skin due to reduced peripheral perfusion.
Choice C rationale
Hypotension, defined as blood pressure below 90/60 mmHg, occurs due to reduced blood volume and cardiac output in excessive postpartum bleeding, impairing adequate perfusion to organs and tissues.
Choice D rationale
Polyuria, or excessive urination, does not directly indicate decreased cardiac output. Instead, oliguria or decreased urine output, often below 30 mL/hour, is a common sign of poor perfusion.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Postpartum depression involves persistent sadness and impaired functioning, typically lasting longer than two weeks. This client’s symptoms suggest a more transient condition.
Choice B rationale
The taking-in phase refers to the period immediately postpartum when the mother focuses on her own needs, not emotional instability as described.
Choice C rationale
Postpartum blues, characterized by mood swings, crying spells, and irritability, typically resolve within two weeks postpartum and are linked to hormonal changes.
Choice D rationale
The taking-hold phase involves active learning about infant care and maternal adjustment, not the emotional lability described in this scenario.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Contraction frequency every 3 minutes indicates an appropriate labor pattern with regular contractions and is not an indication to stop oxytocin.
Choice B rationale
Contraction duration of 100 seconds exceeds the normal range (usually less than 90 seconds), risking uterine hyperstimulation and fetal compromise, necessitating oxytocin discontinuation.
Choice C rationale
A fetal heart rate of 118/min falls within the normal range (110–160/min), indicating fetal well-being. Oxytocin does not need to be stopped.
Choice D rationale
Moderate variability in fetal heart rate demonstrates adequate fetal oxygenation and nervous system function, suggesting no oxytocin discontinuation is required.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.