A nurse is caring for a client who gave birth 2 hours ago. The nurse notes that the client’s blood pressure is 60/50 mm Hg. What should be the nurse’s first action?
Evaluate the firmness of the uterus.
Administer oxytocin infusion.
Obtain a type and crossmatch.
Initiate oxygen therapy by nonrebreather mask.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
If a nurse notes that a client’s blood pressure is 60/50 mm Hg two hours after giving birth, the first action should be to evaluate the firmness of the uterus. This is because a soft or “boggy” uterus could indicate uterine atony, a condition where the uterus fails to contract after delivery, leading to excessive bleeding and a drop in blood pressure.
Choice B rationale
Administering oxytocin infusion can help stimulate uterine contractions and control postpartum bleeding. However, it is not the first action to take. The nurse should first assess the firmness of the uterus.
Choice C rationale
Obtaining a type and crossmatch is important if a blood transfusion is required. However, this is not the first action. The nurse should first assess the firmness of the uterus.
Choice D rationale
Initiating oxygen therapy can help ensure adequate oxygen supply to the tissues, but it is not the first action. The nurse should first assess the firmness of the uterus.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A fundus that is palpable to the right of the midline can indicate a distended bladder. After childbirth, it’s common for women to have difficulty emptying their bladder. If the bladder becomes too full, it can push the uterus to one side.
Choice B rationale
Frequent uterine contractions are not typically associated with a distended bladder. After childbirth, it’s normal for women to experience contractions as the uterus begins to shrink back to its pre-pregnancy size.
Choice C rationale
Increased thirst is not typically a sign of a distended bladder. It’s common for women to feel thirsty as their body adjusts after childbirth.
Choice D rationale
Less than 2.5 cm of rubra lochia on the perineal pad is not typically a sign of a distended bladder. Lochia is the vaginal discharge women experience after childbirth. It’s not related to bladder function.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale: A postmature newborn, or one born after 42 weeks of gestation, is likely to exhibit cracked, peeling skin due to the prolonged exposure to amniotic fluid and the absence of vernix. This makes Choice A the correct answer, as it reflects the expected findings for a postmature newborn.
Choice B rationale: Abundant lanugo is typically seen in preterm infants, not postmature infants. Lanugo is a fine, downy hair that covers the fetus and usually disappears by 37 weeks of gestation. Therefore, Choice B is not an expected finding for a postmature newborn.
Choice C rationale: Short, soft fingernails are characteristic of preterm infants. In postmature infants, fingernails are generally long and may extend beyond the fingertips due to prolonged gestation. This makes Choice C an incorrect answer for the expected findings of a postmature newborn.
Choice D rationale: Abundant vernix is typically seen in preterm and term infants. Vernix is a white, cheesy substance that covers the fetal skin to protect it from amniotic fluid. Postmature infants usually have minimal to no vernix present, as it has already been absorbed. Therefore, Choice D is not an expected finding for a postmature newborn.
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