A nurse is caring for a 34-year-old female client who is 2 days postpartum in the postpartum unit.
Complete the diagram by dragging from the choices below to specify what condition the client is most likely experiencing, 2 actions the nurse should take to address that condition, and 2 parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client’s progress.
The Correct Answer is []
Rationale for Correct Condition
Subinvolution refers to delayed uterine involution, often due to retained placental fragments or infection. The boggy uterus, excessive lochia, and passage of clots are hallmark signs. The history of postpartum hemorrhage increases risk, and fundal tenderness suggests uterine atony rather than infection or hematoma formation.
Rationale for Correct Actions
Oxytocin enhances uterine contractions to reduce bleeding and facilitate involution by increasing myometrial tone. Methylergonovine is a potent uterotonic that further supports contraction, decreasing hemorrhage risk, but must be used cautiously in hypertensive patients.
Rationale for Correct Parameters
Saturated perineal pads track blood loss severity, guiding interventions for ongoing hemorrhage. Excessive bleeding may require further medical management. Hemoglobin and hematocrit assess for anemia due to blood loss, guiding transfusion decisions if needed.
Rationale for Incorrect Conditions
Postpartum preeclampsia presents with hypertension and proteinuria, not uterine atony. Perineal hematoma manifests as localized swelling with severe perineal pain, which is absent here. Thrombophlebitis involves unilateral extremity swelling and pain, not fundal tenderness or abnormal lochia.
Rationale for Incorrect Actions
Ice packs to the perineum manage hematomas, not uterine atony. Anticoagulants are used for thromboembolic prevention, not postpartum bleeding. Quiet environment is relevant for preeclampsia, not uterine subinvolution.
Rationale for Incorrect Parameters
Seizures are relevant to preeclampsia, not uterine subinvolution. Calf circumference is monitored for thrombophlebitis, which is absent here. Rectal pain is not an expected indicator of uterine involution status.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A glucose reading of 58 mg/dL in a newborn is below the normal range (typically 40-60 mg/dL in the first hours of life, rising to 50-90 mg/dL). While this requires intervention to prevent hypoglycemia, other parameters might indicate a more immediate threat to the newborn's well-being.
Choice B rationale
A temperature of 97.4°F (36.3°C) is below the normal range for a newborn (typically 97.7°F to 99.5°F or 36.5°C to 37.5°C). Hypothermia in a newborn can lead to cold stress, increasing oxygen and glucose consumption, potentially leading to respiratory distress and hypoglycemia. Therefore, a low temperature requires immediate assessment and intervention to warm the newborn.
Choice C rationale
A respiratory rate of 48 breaths/minute is within the normal range for a newborn (typically 30-60 breaths/minute). While the respiratory rate should be monitored, it does not indicate an immediate critical issue in this case.
Choice D rationale
A pulse of 134 beats/minute is within the normal range for a newborn (typically 110-160 beats/minute). While the heart rate should be monitored, it does not indicate an immediate critical issue in this case. .
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Weight loss
Weight loss during pregnancy, especially in the second trimester, is unexpected unless there is a medical condition such as hyperemesis gravidarum or other nutritional deficiencies. While mild weight fluctuations can occur, a consistent loss of weight rather than gradual gain suggests inadequate caloric intake due to persistent vomiting and dehydration.
Choice B rationale: Breast tenderness
Breast tenderness is a common and expected physiological change during pregnancy due to hormonal fluctuations, particularly increased estrogen and progesterone levels. It is not considered abnormal or unexpected at this stage of pregnancy.
Choice C rationale: Heart rate
A heart rate of 116/min is unexpected, as it is above the normal range for adults (typically 60–100/min). Pregnancy can cause a mild increase in heart rate, but tachycardia above 110/min may indicate dehydration, anemia, or electrolyte imbalance, all of which can stem from excessive vomiting and fluid loss.
Choice D rationale: Vomiting
While occasional nausea and vomiting (morning sickness) can be expected in early pregnancy, persistent vomiting up to eight times daily and symptoms of dehydration (dry mucosa, poor skin turgor, positive ketones in urine) raise concern for hyperemesis gravidarum, a more severe form of pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting.
Choice E rationale: Nasal congestion
Nasal congestion is common during pregnancy due to increased blood volume and vascular changes affecting the nasal mucosa. It is not unexpected and does not indicate a complication.
Choice F rationale: Respiratory rate
A respiratory rate of 20/min falls within the normal range for adults (typically 12–20/min), making it an expected finding.
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