A nurse is caring for a client who gave birth 2 hr ago.
The nurse notes that the client’s blood pressure is 60/50 mm Hg. What is the first action the nurse should take?
Evaluate the firmness of the uterus.
Oxygenate by rebreather mask.
Administer oxytocin infusion.
Obtain a type and crossmatch.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Evaluating the firmness of the uterus is the first action the nurse should take when a client’s blood pressure is 60/50 mm Hg after giving birth. A soft or “boggy” uterus can indicate uterine atony, a condition in which the uterus fails to contract after birth. Uterine atony can lead to significant postpartum hemorrhage, which can cause hypotension.
Choice B rationale
Oxygenating by rebreather mask may be necessary if the client shows signs of hypoxia or difficulty breathing, but it is not the first action the nurse should take.
Choice C rationale
Administering oxytocin infusion can stimulate uterine contractions and help control postpartum bleeding. However, the nurse should first assess the firmness of the uterus.
Choice D rationale
Obtaining a type and crossmatch may be necessary if the client needs a blood transfusion, but it is not the first action the nurse should take.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Monitoring vaginal bleeding is the priority nursing action for a client who is at 33 weeks of gestation and has a diagnosis of placenta previa. Placenta previa can cause painless, bright red vaginal bleeding during the third trimester. This bleeding can lead to serious complications for both the mother and the fetus, making it crucial to monitor for this symptom.
Choice B rationale
Administering glucocorticoids is not the priority nursing action in this situation. While glucocorticoids can be used to accelerate fetal lung maturity in cases of preterm labor, they are not the primary treatment for placenta previa.
Choice C rationale
Inserting an IV catheter may be necessary for administering medications or fluids, but it is not the priority action. The nurse’s primary concern should be monitoring for signs of bleeding.
Choice D rationale
Applying an external fetal monitor can help assess the well-being of the fetus, but it is not the priority action. The nurse’s main focus should be on monitoring for vaginal bleeding.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Evaluating the firmness of the uterus is the first action the nurse should take when a client’s blood pressure is 60/50 mm Hg after giving birth. A soft or “boggy” uterus can indicate uterine atony, a condition in which the uterus fails to contract after birth. Uterine atony can lead to significant postpartum hemorrhage, which can cause hypotension.
Choice B rationale
Oxygenating by rebreather mask may be necessary if the client shows signs of hypoxia or difficulty breathing, but it is not the first action the nurse should take.
Choice C rationale
Administering oxytocin infusion can stimulate uterine contractions and help control postpartum bleeding. However, the nurse should first assess the firmness of the uterus.
Choice D rationale
Obtaining a type and crossmatch may be necessary if the client needs a blood transfusion, but it is not the first action the nurse should take.
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