A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who is receiving oxytocin via IV infusion following a vaginal delivery. Which of the following findings should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of this medication?
Urinary output.
Fundal consistency.
Pulse rate.
Blood pressure.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should monitor the urinary output of the client as it can be an important indicator of hydration and renal function. However, in this specific scenario, the administration of oxytocin via IV infusion after a vaginal delivery requires a different focus for evaluating medication effectiveness.
Choice B rationale:
The nurse should primarily assess the fundal consistency to evaluate the effectiveness of oxytocin. Oxytocin is often administered after childbirth to promote uterine contractions and prevent postpartum hemorrhage. Checking the fundal consistency helps determine if the uterus is contracting appropriately. A firm fundus indicates effective contractions, which are essential for controlling bleeding and preventing complications.
Choice C rationale:
Monitoring the pulse rate is a vital aspect of patient care, but it may not be the most relevant parameter to evaluate the effectiveness of oxytocin. Pulse rate can give information about the client's cardiovascular status and general well-being, but it does not directly assess the medication's impact on uterine contractions.
Choice D rationale:
Similarly, keeping an eye on blood pressure is crucial for patient safety and detecting potential issues like hypertension. However, it is not the primary parameter for evaluating the effectiveness of oxytocin. Blood pressure monitoring is essential for overall health assessment but does not directly relate to the medication's intended effect.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice c. Dry the newborn.
Choice A rationale:
Confirming identification and applying a bracelet is important for ensuring the newborn’s identity and preventing mix-ups, but it is not the immediate priority right after birth.
Choice B rationale:
Examining the newborn for birth defects is crucial for identifying any immediate health concerns, but it should be done after initial stabilization measures like drying and warming the newborn.
Choice C rationale:
Drying the newborn is the first action the nurse should take immediately after delivery. This helps to prevent heat loss and maintain the newborn’s body temperature, which is critical for their survival and well-being.
Choice D rationale:
Conducting a gestational age assessment is important for determining the newborn’s maturity and potential health risks, but it is not the immediate priority right after birth.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Rh incompatibility is not relevant in this scenario. Rh incompatibility refers to a condition where the mother's blood is Rh-negative, and the baby's blood is Rh-positive, which can lead to hemolytic disease of the newborn. However, this condition is unrelated to the client's current presentation of heavy, red vaginal bleeding without contractions.
Choice B rationale:
Frequency and duration of contractions are not the primary concern in this situation. The client's main complaint is heavy vaginal bleeding without contractions, which indicates a potential issue with the placenta or other pregnancy-related problems.
Choice C rationale:
Fetal lung maturity is not the priority at this stage. The client is at 38 weeks of gestation, which is considered full term. Fetal lung maturity is typically assessed if there's a need for early delivery, which is not indicated in this scenario.
Choice D rationale:
The correct choice. The client is experiencing heavy, red vaginal bleeding, which may be a sign of placental abruption, where the placenta separates from the uterine wall prematurely. Determining the location of the placenta through an ultrasound can help identify if placental abruption is the cause of bleeding. Placental abruption can be a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.
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