A nurse is caring for a client 2 hr following a spontaneous vaginal delivery and notes that the client has saturated two perineal pads with blood in a 30-min period. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Check the consistency of the client's uterine fundus.
Have the client use the bedpan to urinate.
Increase the client's fluid intake.
Prepare to administer oxytocic medication.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
Checking the consistency of the client's uterine fundus is the first action the nurse should take, as it can indicate the cause of excessive bleeding. A boggy or soft fundus indicates uterine atony, which is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage. The nurse should massage the fundus until it becomes firm and contracted.
Choice B reason:
Having the client use the bedpan to urinate is an important action, as a full bladder can displace the uterus and prevent it from contracting properly. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take, as it does not address the immediate source of bleeding.
Choice C reason:
Increasing the client's fluid intake is an important action, as it can help replace fluid loss and prevent hypovolemia and shock. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take, as it does not stop the bleeding.
Choice D reason:
Preparing to administer oxytocic medication is an important action, as it can stimulate uterine contractions and reduce bleeding. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take, as it requires a provider's prescription and may not be necessary if fundal massage is effective.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Fetal position is persistent occiput posterior is correct, as this position can cause difficult, prolonged labor and severe backache. The occiput posterior position means that the back of the fetal head is facing the maternal sacrum, which can result in poor alignment and descent, increased pressure on the maternal sacrum and nerves, and increased risk of perineal trauma. The nurse should encourage the client to change positions frequently, use pelvic rocking exercises, apply counterpressure to the sacrum, and administer analgesics as needed.
Choice B reason:
Fetal attitude is in general flexion is incorrect, as this attitude can facilitate normal labor and delivery. The fetal attitude refers to the degree of flexion or extension of the fetal head and limbs in relation to the fetal trunk. General flexion means that the fetal head is flexed on the chest, the arms are crossed over the chest, and the legs are flexed at the knees. This attitude allows the smallest diameter of the fetal head to pass through the birth canal.
Choice C reason:
Fetal lie is longitudinal is incorrect, as this lie can facilitate normal labor and delivery. The fetal lie refers to the relationship between the long axis of the fetus and the long axis of the mother. Longitudinal lie means that both axes are parallel, which allows for either a vertex (head-first) or a breech (butocks-first) presentation.
Choice D reason:
Maternal pelvis is gynecoid is incorrect, as this pelvis can facilitate normal labor and delivery. The maternal pelvis refers to the shape and size of the bony pelvis that affects the passage of the fetus. Gynecoid pelvis is the most common and favorable type for vaginal birth, as it has a rounded inlet, a wide pubic arch, and adequate outlet dimensions.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Administer terbutaline if the fundus is boggy is incorrect, as this action is contraindicated for a client who has a boggy fundus. Terbutaline is a tocolytic agent that can relax uterine contractions and worsen uterine atony and hemorrhage. The nurse should administer oxytocin or other uterotonic agents as prescribed to stimulate uterine contraction and prevent bleeding.
Choice B reason: Observe the lochia during palpation of fundus is correct, as this action can provide information about the amount, color, consistency, and odor of lochia. Lochia is the vaginal discharge that occurs after birth, which consists of blood, mucus, and tissue. The nurse should observe the lochia during fundal palpation and report any abnormal findings, such as excessive bleeding, large clots, foul smell, or infection.
Choice C reason: Document fundal height is correct, as this action can provide information about the progress of uterine involution. The fundus is the upper part of the uterus that can be palpated through the abdomen after birth. The nurse should document the fundal height in relation to the umbilicus and note any changes over time.
Choice D reason: Massage a firm fundus is incorrect, as this action is not necessary for a client who has a firm fundus. A firm fundus indicates adequate uterine contraction and involution and prevents excessive bleeding. The nurse should massage a boggy or soft fundus until it becomes firm and midline.
Choice E reason: Determine whether the fundus is midline is correct, as this action can provide information about the position of the uterus and bladder. The fundus should be midline and not displaced to either side. A deviated fundus can indicate bladder distension, which can interfere with uterine contraction and involution and increase the risk of hemorrhage and infection. The nurse should assist the client to empty their bladder and reassess the fundal position.
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