- A nurse is assessing a postpartum client who delivered vaginally 8 hr ago.
Exhibit 1
Nurses' Notes
0700:
Breasts soft, nipples intact. Uterus palpated firm, midline, and at level of umbilicus. Moderate amount of lochia rubra. Episiotomy site well approximated with mild edema and ecchymosis. Client reports pain as 2 on a scale of 0 to 10. Able to void spontaneously; no bladder distention. Deep tendon reflexes 1+. Peripheral edema 2+ in bilateral lower extremities.
1100:
Breasts soft, nipples intact. Uterus palpated soft with lateral deviation and 1 cm above the umbilicus. Large amount of lochia rubra. Episiotomy site well approximated with mild edema and ecchymosis. Client reports pain as 3 on a scale of 0 to 10. Deep tendon reflexes 1+ Peripheral edema 2+ in bilateral lower extremities.
Exhibit 2
0700:
Temperature 36.2" C (97.2" F) Pulse rate 80/min
Respiratory rate 16/min
Blood pressure 136/82 mm Hg
Pulse oximetry 99%
1100:
Temperature 37.2° C (99.0° F)
Pulse rate 85/min
Respiratory rate 18/min
Blood pressure 136/86 mm Hg
Pulse oximetry 100%
Select the 3 findings that require immediate follow-up.
Uterine tone soft
Blood pressure 136/86 mm Hg
Peripheral edema 2+ bilateral lower extremities
Large amount of lochia rubra
Pain rating of 3 on a scale of 0 to 10
Breasts soft
Lateral deviation of the uterus
Correct Answer : A,D,G
A. Uterine tone soft: A soft uterus can indicate inadequate uterine contraction, which may increase the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. The uterus should be firm and well-contracted after delivery.
B. Blood pressure 136/86 mm Hg:
A blood pressure of 136/86 mm Hg is within the normal range for a postpartum client. While changes in blood pressure should be monitored, this reading alone does not indicate an urgent need for follow-up.
C. Peripheral edema 2+ bilateral lower extremities:
Peripheral edema is a common finding in the postpartum period and is often attributed to fluid shifts and hormonal changes. While it should be monitored, it does not typically require immediate follow-up unless it is severe or associated with other symptoms.
D. Large amount of lochia rubra: While lochia rubra is normal in the first few days postpartum, a large amount could indicate potential bleeding issues or complications if it increases significantly.
E. Pain rating of 3 on a scale of 0 to 10:
A pain rating of 3 on a scale of 0 to 10 is relatively mild and may be expected after a vaginal delivery, especially if the client has undergone an episiotomy. It should be addressed but does not require immediate follow-up unless it worsens or is associated with other concerning symptoms.
F. Breasts soft:
Soft breasts are expected in the early postpartum period, particularly if the client is not breastfeeding or if breastfeeding has not yet been established. However, breastfeeding assessment and support should be provided as part of routine postpartum care.
G. Lateral deviation of the uterus:The uterus should be midline and firm. A lateral deviation could suggest a full bladder or other complications that need to be addressed to prevent further issues such as postpartum hemorrhage.
H. Deep tendon reflexes 1+:
Deep tendon reflexes of 1+ are within the normal range and do not typically require immediate follow-up unless they are absent or hyperactive, which may indicate neurological issues.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A.Dry mucous membranes may indicate dehydration. The newborn is breastfeeding only 3–4 times per day, which is lower than the recommended 8–12 feedings per day for adequate hydration and nutrition.
B.Yellow sclera suggests jaundice, which could indicate neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Since the newborn is Coombs-positive, there is an increased risk of hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) due to blood incompatibility, making bilirubin monitoring essential.
D.The newborn has voided only once in 36 hours, which may indicate dehydration or inadequate fluid intake. Additionally, the absence of a meconium stool may suggest intestinal obstruction, delayed passage, or meconium plug syndrome, requiring further evaluation.
E.A positive Coombs test means that maternal antibodies have attacked the newborn’s red blood cells, increasing the risk of hemolytic anemia and jaundice. This finding correlates with the yellow sclera, necessitating further bilirubin monitoring.
Incorrect answers:
C.Caput succedaneum is benign and self-resolving. It is a soft tissue swelling from birth trauma and does not require intervention.
F.A respiratory rate of 44 breaths/min is within the normal range (30–60 breaths/min) for a newborn and does not indicate distress.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Administer oxygen via face mask at 10 L/min:
Administering oxygen can help improve tissue oxygenation and prevent hypoxia, which is critical in managing a client at risk of hypovolemic shock. However, while oxygenation is important, it may not directly address the underlying cause of the excessive bleeding. Therefore, while oxygen may be necessary, it is not the most immediate action required to address the potential cause of the hemorrhage.
B. Collect hemoglobin and hematocrit levels:
Collecting hemoglobin and hematocrit levels is essential for assessing the extent of blood loss and the client's hemodynamic status. This information will help determine the severity of the situation and guide further management and interventions, such as blood transfusion if indicated. Since postpartum hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal mortality, prompt assessment of blood loss is crucial in guiding appropriate interventions to prevent further complications.
C. Prepare the client to receive a plasma expander:
Plasma expanders may be administered to help restore circulating blood volume in cases of hypovolemic shock due to significant blood loss. However, before initiating plasma expander administration, it is essential to assess the client's hemoglobin and hematocrit levels to determine the severity of blood loss and guide appropriate fluid resuscitation strategies. Therefore, preparing the client to receive a plasma expander would come after assessing the extent of blood loss through laboratory values.
D. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter:
Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter may be necessary to monitor urinary output, which is an important indicator of renal perfusion and overall fluid status. However, while urinary catheterization is important for assessing renal function and fluid balance, it is not the most immediate action required to address the potential cause of the hemorrhage. Assessing blood loss through laboratory values and initiating appropriate interventions to manage postpartum hemorrhage take precedence over urinary catheterization in this scenario.
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