A nurse is caring for a client who gave birth 4 hr ago and is experiencing excessive vaginal bleeding. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take first?
Elevate the client's legs to a 30° angle.
Insert an indwelling urinary catheter.
Massage the client's fundus.
Initiate an infusion of oxytocin.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice C rationale:
The nurse should first massage the client's fundus to address the excessive vaginal bleeding. Massaging the fundus helps the uterus contract and prevents further bleeding. Excessive postpartum bleeding may indicate uterine atony, which is a leading cause of postpartum hemorrhage. The nurse should apply gentle pressure to the fundus to promote uterine contractions and reduce bleeding.
Choice A rationale:
Elevating the client's legs to a 30° angle (Trendelenburg position) is not the priority action in this situation. Fundal massage takes precedence because it directly addresses the cause of the excessive bleeding. While Trendelenburg position might be used in some situations to increase blood flow to vital organs, it is not the first-line intervention for postpartum bleeding.
Choice B rationale:
Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter is not the priority action for excessive vaginal bleeding. While monitoring urine output is essential, the immediate concern is controlling the bleeding by massaging the fundus.
Choice D rationale:
Initiating an infusion of oxytocin may be indicated if fundal massage alone is insufficient to control bleeding. However, massaging the fundus should be the first action taken to promote uterine contractions. Oxytocin can be administered afterward, if needed, under the direction of a healthcare provider.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The normal WBC count during pregnancy can vary, but a count of 11,000/mm³ is within an acceptable range. During pregnancy, the WBC count can be slightly elevated due to physiological changes in the body to support the growing fetus.
Choice B rationale:
The normal hemoglobin level during pregnancy is generally around 11 to 12.5 g/dL. Therefore, a hemoglobin level of 11.2 g/dL falls within the normal range, and the nurse does not need to report this finding.
Choice C rationale:
The normal hematocrit (Hct) during pregnancy can vary, but a level of 34% is within the acceptable range. Hct levels can be lower during pregnancy due to increased plasma volume, leading to a mild physiological anemia of pregnancy.
Choice D rationale:
The normal platelet count during pregnancy is typically around 150,000 to 400,000/mm³. With a platelet count of 140,000/mm³, this is slightly below the lower end of the normal range. Thrombocytopenia during pregnancy can increase the risk of bleeding, both during childbirth and postpartum, so the nurse should report this finding to the provider for further evaluation and management.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Pointing out to the father that the newborn turns toward his voice helps him understand that the baby is already responding to him, promoting bonding.
Choice B rationale:
Asking the father why he is concerned about bonding with the newborn allows the nurse to address specific fears or misconceptions and provide appropriate support.
Choice C rationale:
Encouraging the father to touch and stroke the newborn's skin promotes physical contact and enhances the bonding process.
Choice D rationale:
Demonstrating diapering and swaddling techniques for the father helps him feel more confident in caring for his baby and fosters bonding through caregiving activities.
Choice E rationale:
Encouraging the father to lay the newborn beside him while both are sleeping promotes skin- to-skin contact and allows for bonding during restful moments. However, the nurse should ensure that safety measures are followed to prevent accidental suffocation. By following these actions, the nurse can support the father's bonding with his newborn and facilitate a positive and nurturing parent-infant relationship.
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