A nurse is caring for a client who gave birth 2 hours ago.
The nurse notes that the client’s blood pressure is 60 mm Hg. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Administer oxytocin infusion.
Evaluate the firmness of the uterus.
Initiate oxygen therapy by non-rebreather mask.
Obtain a type and crossmatch.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Administering oxytocin infusion is usually done to stimulate uterine contractions and prevent postpartum hemorrhage. However, it’s not the first action to take when the client’s blood pressure is low.
Choice B rationale
Evaluating the firmness of the uterus is crucial in this situation. A soft or “boggy” uterus could indicate uterine atony, a condition that can lead to serious postpartum hemorrhage. This could be the cause of the client’s low blood pressure.
Choice C rationale
Initiating oxygen therapy by non-rebreather mask can help increase the client’s oxygen saturation levels, but it doesn’t address the underlying cause of the low blood pressure.
Choice D rationale
Obtaining a type and crossmatch is important if the client needs a blood transfusion. However, it’s not the first action to take. The nurse should first assess for possible causes of the low blood pressure.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Cocaine use is a risk factor for placental abruption, but it is not the most common one. Cocaine can cause vasoconstriction and decrease placental perfusion, leading to abruption.
Choice B rationale
Blunt force trauma, such as that from a car accident or physical violence, can cause placental abruption. However, it is not the most common risk factor.
Choice C rationale
Cigarette smoking is a risk factor for many pregnancy complications, including placental abruption. Smoking can impair placental function and lead to poor pregnancy outcomes.
Choice D rationale
Hypertension is the most common risk factor for placental abruption. High blood pressure can cause damage to the blood vessels in the placenta, leading to abruption.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Assisting the family to identify prior use of positive coping skills in family crises can be helpful, but it’s not the priority action in this situation.
Choice B rationale
Anticipating a prescription by the provider for an antidepressant might be necessary if the client is diagnosed with postpartum depression. However, the nurse first needs to assess the risk to the client and her newborn.
Choice C rationale
Asking the client if she has considered harming her newborn is the priority action. This question is crucial in assessing for postpartum depression and the safety of the newborn.
Choice D rationale
Reinforcing postpartum and newborn care discharge teaching is important, but it’s not the priority action when the client is expressing feelings of sadness and lack of energy.
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