A nurse is assisting a client out of bed for the first time since delivery. The client becomes frightened when she passes a large amount of lochia.
Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
'Lochia can pool in the vagina while you lie in bed.'
'You might have retained fragments of your placenta.'
'The amount of lochia increases during the postpartum period.'
'Urinary tract infections are associated with increased lochia.'
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: This is the most appropriate response because it reassures the client that the amount of lochia she passed is normal and expected after lying down for a long time. Lochia is the vaginal discharge that occurs after childbirth, consisting of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue. It usually decreases in amount and changes in color over time, from red to pink to brown to yellow.
Choice B reason: This is an incorrect response because it implies that the client has a complication that requires further evaluation. Retained placental fragments can cause excessive bleeding, infection, and uterine atony. The nurse should not alarm the client with this possibility without evidence.
Choice C reason: This is an incorrect response because it contradicts the normal patern of lochia. The amount of lochia usually decreases during the postpartum period, not increases. If the client has an increase in lochia, it could indicate a problem such as infection, subinvolution, or hemorrhage.
Choice D reason: This is an incorrect response because it confuses the client with unrelated information. Urinary tract infections are not associated with increased lochia. They are caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract and can cause symptoms such as dysuria, frequency, urgency, and hematuria. The nurse should not suggest that the client has a urinary tract infection without evidence.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: In 3 to 5 days after delivery is correct, as this is the average time for breast milk production to begin after birth. Breast milk production is stimulated by the drop in progesterone levels that occurs after the placenta is delivered, as well as by the suckling of the baby. The nurse should encourage the client to breastfeed frequently and effectively to promote milk production and prevent engorgement.
Choice B reason: In 6 to 8 days after delivery is incorrect, as this is a longer than average time for breast milk production to begin after birth. Breast milk production usually begins within the first week after birth, although it may vary depending on individual factors. The nurse should assess the client for any factors that may delay or inhibit milk production, such as stress, fatigue, pain, or medication.
Choice C reason: Within 2 days after delivery is incorrect, as this is a shorter than average time for breast milk production to begin after birth. Breast milk production usually begins within the first week after birth, although it may vary depending on individual factors. The nurse should educate the client that before breast milk comes in, the breasts produce colostrum, which is a thick, yellowish fluid that contains antibodies and nutrients for the baby.
Choice D reason: In about 10 days after delivery is incorrect, as this is a longer than average time for breast milk production to begin after birth. Breast milk production usually begins within the first week after birth, although it may vary depending on individual factors. The nurse should assess the client for any factors that may delay or inhibit milk production, such as stress, fatigue, pain, or medication.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice B reason:
Uterine atony is the failure of the uterus to contract and retract after delivery, which can lead to excessive bleeding and hemorrhage. The client is at risk for uterine atony due to delivering a large newborn, which can overstretch the uterine muscles and reduce their tone.
Choice A reason:
Puerperal infection is an infection of the reproductive tract that occurs within six weeks after delivery. The client is not at increased risk for puerperal infection due to delivering a large newborn, unless there are other factors such as prolonged labor, multiple vaginal exams, or episiotomy.
Choice C reason:
Thrombophlebitis is an inflammation of a vein with a blood clot formation. The client is not at increased risk for thrombophlebitis due to delivering a large newborn, unless there are other factors such as immobility, dehydration, or trauma.
Choice D reason:
Retained placental fragments are pieces of the placenta that remain in the uterus after delivery, which can cause bleeding and infection. The client is not at increased risk for retained placental fragments due to delivering a large newborn, unless there are other factors such as abnormal placental atachment, manual removal, or incomplete separation.
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