A nurse is assessing a client who is 8 hr postpartum and multiparous. Which of the following findings should alert the nurse to the client's need to urinate?
Moderate swelling of the labia
Fundus three fingerbreadths above the umbilicus
Moderate lochia rubra
Blood pressure 130/84 mm Hg
The Correct Answer is B
Choice B reason:
A fundus that is elevated and displaced from the midline indicates a full bladder, which can interfere with uterine contraction and increase the risk of hemorrhage. The nurse should assist the client to void or catheterize her if necessary.
Choice A reason:
Moderate swelling of the labia is a normal finding after vaginal delivery, and does not indicate a need to urinate. The nurse should apply ice packs and perineal pads to reduce edema and discomfort.
Choice C reason:
Moderate lochia rubra is a normal finding during the first 24 hr postpartum, and does not indicate a need to urinate. The nurse should monitor the amount and color of lochia, and change the perineal pads as needed.
Choice D reason:
A blood pressure of 130/84 mm Hg is within the normal range for a postpartum client, and does not indicate a need to urinate. The nurse should monitor the blood pressure for signs of hypertension or hypotension, which can indicate complications such as preeclampsia or hemorrhage.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: "You will experience urinary retention." is incorrect, as this statement does not describe a sign preceding the onset of labor. Urinary retention can occur during labor due to pressure from the fetal head or epidural anesthesia, but it is not a sign that labor is imminent. The nurse should encourage the client to void frequently and monitor their bladder status.
Choice B reason: "You will have a decrease in vaginal discharge." is incorrect, as this statement does not describe a sign preceding the onset of labor. Vaginal discharge can increase before labor due to cervical ripening and dilation, which can cause bloody show or mucus plug loss. The nurse should educate the client about normal and abnormal vaginal discharge and when to report it.
Choice C reason: "You will experience a surge of energy." is correct, as this statement describes a sign preceding the onset of labor. A surge of energy, also known as nesting instinct, can occur before labor due to hormonal changes or psychological factors. The nurse should advise the client to conserve their energy and rest as much as possible before labor.
Choice D reason: "You will have a weight gain of 0.5 to 1.5 kilograms." is incorrect, as this statement does not describe a sign preceding the onset of labor. Weight gain can occur during pregnancy due to fetal growth, fluid retention, or increased caloric intake, but it is not a sign that labor is imminent. The nurse should monitor the client's weight and fluid balance and report any sudden or excessive weight gain that may indicate preeclampsia or other complications.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Placing the client in a lateral position is the first action the nurse should take, as it can improve maternal and fetal circulation by relieving pressure on the inferior vena cava. The client's blood pressure is low, which can indicate hypotension due to epidural anesthesia or supine hypotension syndrome.
Choice B reason:
Notifying the provider is an important action, as it can facilitate further interventions and monitoring for the client and the fetus. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take, as it does not address the immediate problem of hypotension.
Choice C reason:
Increasing IV fluid rate is an important action, as it can expand blood volume and increase blood pressure. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take, as it may not be effective if the client is in a supine position.
Choice D reason:
Elevating the legs is an important action, as it can enhance venous return and increase blood pressure. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take, as it may worsen supine hypotension syndrome by increasing pressure on the inferior vena cava.
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