A nurse is caring for a client who had a vaginal birth yesterday, is not breastfeeding and had no perineal lacerations. The client was given ibuprofen 1 hr ago. Which of the following outcomes should the nurse identity as an indication that the medication achieved the desired effect?
Decrease in amount of lochia and passage of clots.
Decrease in milk production.
Decrease in swelling in the extremities
Decrease in discomfort.
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale:
A. Decrease in amount of lochia and passage of clots is incorrect because ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and does not affect uterine bleeding or the passage of lochia. Changes in lochia are related to normal postpartum involution of the uterus and not pain medication.
B. Decrease in milk production is incorrect because the client is not breastfeeding, and ibuprofen does not suppress milk production. Milk production is influenced by lactation hormones such as prolactin and oxytocin.
C. Decrease in swelling in the extremities is incorrect because while NSAIDs can reduce inflammation, mild postpartum edema is generally physiologic and not significantly impacted by a single dose of ibuprofen. This outcome is not the primary therapeutic goal in this context.
D. Decrease in discomfort is correct because ibuprofen is administered to relieve postpartum pain, including uterine cramping, perineal discomfort, or musculoskeletal soreness after vaginal birth. Pain relief is the intended effect of the medication, and the nurse should evaluate the client’s reported pain level to determine if the desired outcome has been achieved.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. The nurse determines the prescription is above the recommended dosage range and notifies the provider is incorrect because the prescribed dose is below, not above, the recommended range.
B. The nurse determines the prescription is below the recommended dosage and notifies the provider is correct because the prescription is subtherapeutic. Administering a dose below the recommended range could result in ineffective treatment and potential antibiotic resistance. The nurse should clarify the dosage with the provider before administration.
Step 1: Calculate the recommended total daily dose.
- Recommended range: 20–25 mg/kg/day
- Weight: 20 kg
- Minimum daily dose: 20 mg × 20 kg = 400 mg/day
- Maximum daily dose: 25 mg × 20 kg = 500 mg/day
Step 2: Calculate the prescribed total daily dose.
- Prescription: 100 mg every 8 hr = 3 doses/day
- Total daily dose: 100 mg × 3 = 300 mg/day
Step 3: Compare prescribed dose to recommended range.
- 300 mg/day is below the recommended range of 400–500 mg/day.
C. The nurse contacts the pharmacist to adjust the prescribed dosage is incorrect because the nurse’s role is to verify and clarify orders with the prescribing provider, not to independently adjust a prescription.
D. The nurse administers the prescribed dosage is incorrect because giving a subtherapeutic dose could fail to treat the infection effectively. Verification with the provider is required before administration.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Decreased blood pressure in the arms with increased blood pressure in the legs is incorrect because coarctation of the aorta narrows the aortic arch near the ductus arteriosus, usually after the vessels that supply the head and arms. This results in higher pressure in the upper extremities compared with the lower extremities, not the reverse.
B. Increased blood pressure in the arms with decreased blood pressure in the legs is correct because the obstruction in the aorta causes restricted blood flow to the lower extremities, leading to weak or delayed femoral pulses and lower blood pressure in the legs. Conversely, the upper extremities receive normal or elevated blood flow, resulting in higher blood pressure. This is a hallmark finding in coarctation of the aorta.
C. Decreased blood pressure in both the arms and the legs is incorrect because blood flow to the upper extremities is typically preserved or even increased, not decreased. Low pressure in both the arms and legs would suggest generalized shock or severe heart failure, not isolated coarctation.
D. Increased blood pressure in both the arms and the legs is incorrect because the obstruction limits perfusion to the lower body. While upper extremity pressure may be elevated due to increased resistance, lower extremity pressure is reduced, not increased.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.