A nurse is caring for a client who has just delivered her baby and is at risk for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH).
Which intervention should be included in this client’s plan of care?
Administering oxytocin after delivery
Encouraging frequent voiding
Assessing vital signs every 4 hours
Encouraging ambulation as soon as possible
The Correct Answer is A
Oxytocin is a medication that helps the uterus contract and prevent excessive bleeding after birth. It is the most effective treatment for postpartum hemorrhage, even if already used for labor induction or augmentation or as part of active management of the third stage of labor.
Choice B) Encouraging frequent voiding is wrong because it does not directly affect the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. However, a full bladder can interfere with uterine contraction and cause bleeding, so voiding should be encouraged as part of routine care.
Choice C) Assessing vital signs every 4 hours is wrong because it is not enough to detect and treat postpartum hemorrhage early. Vital signs should be monitored more frequently in the first hour after delivery, when most cases of postpartum hemorrhage occur.
Choice D) Encouraging ambulation as soon as possible is wrong because it does not prevent postpartum hemorrhage.
Ambulation can help prevent thromboembolic complications and promote recovery, but it has no effect on uterine contraction
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Uterine atony is the most common cause of early postpartum hemorrhage, accounting for up to 80% of cases.Uterine atony is when the uterus fails to contract after delivery of the placenta, leading to excessive bleeding from the blood vessels where the placenta was attached.
Choice B is wrong because trauma is not the most common cause of early postpartum hemorrhage.Trauma accounts for about 20% of cases and includes uterine rupture, cervical and vaginal lacerations, and uterine inversion.
Choice C is wrong because lacerations are not the most common cause of early postpartum hemorrhage.Lacerations are a type of trauma that can cause bleeding from the cervix, vagina, or perineum.
Choice D is wrong because hematomas are not the most common cause of early postpartum hemorrhage.Hematomas are a type of trauma that can cause bleeding into the tissues of the vulva, vagina, or perineum.
Normal ranges for blood loss after delivery are less than 500 ml for vaginal delivery and less than 1000 ml for cesarean delivery.Postpartum hemorrhage is defined as blood loss greater than these amounts or when bleeding causes symptoms of hypovolemia (low blood volume) or hemodynamic instability (low blood pressure or high heart rate).
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Oxytocin is a uterotonic medication that stimulates uterine contractions and reduces bleeding.It is the most effective intervention for preventing and treating postpartum hemorrhage caused by uterine atony.
Uterine massage can also help to improve uterine tone and expel clots.
Choice B) Administering magnesium sulfate is wrong because magnesium sulfate is used to prevent seizures in patients with preeclampsia or eclampsia, not to control bleeding.
Choice C) Administering heparin is wrong because heparin is an anticoagulant that prevents blood clotting.
It is used to treat or prevent thromboembolic disorders, not to stop bleeding.
Choice D) Administering insulin is wrong because insulin is used to lower blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes mellitus, not to manage hemorrhage.
Normal blood loss after vaginal delivery is less than 500 mL and after cesarean delivery is less than 1000 mL.
Postpartum hemorrhage is defined as blood loss of at least 100
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.