A nurse is caring for a client who is 12 hours postpartum following a vaginal delivery. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Fundus soft, 1 cm to the right of the umbilicus.
Fundus firm, at the level of the umbilicus.
Fundus soft, 2 cm above the umbilicus.
Fundus present, to the left of the umbilicus.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice a reason:
The fundus being soft and to the right of the umbilicus could indicate that the bladder is full and displacing the uterus. This is not an expected finding and would require the nurse to encourage the client to empty her bladder to help the uterus contract and return to its normal position.
Choice b reason:
The expected finding for a client who is 12 hours postpartum is for the fundus to be firm and at the level of the umbilicus. A firm fundus indicates good uterine tone and that the uterus is contracting as it should to return to its pre-pregnancy size. This helps to prevent excessive bleeding and promotes recovery.
Choice c reason:
A fundus that is soft and 2 cm above the umbilicus is not an expected finding at 12 hours postpartum. This could suggest that the uterus is not contracting properly, which could lead to postpartum hemorrhage. The nurse would need to assess further and possibly provide interventions such as fundal massage or medication to encourage uterine contractions.
Choice d reason:
The fundus being present to the left of the umbilicus may indicate that the uterus is not contracting symmetrically or that there is a full bladder displacing the uterus. This finding would prompt the nurse to assess for bladder distention and encourage the client to void to help the uterus contract properly.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Nausea can be a common side effect of many medications and does not necessarily indicate toxicity. While it can be uncomfortable for the patient, nausea alone, without other symptoms, is not typically a sign of magnesium sulfate toxicity.
Choice B reason:
Drowsiness is another side effect that can occur with various medications and medical conditions. It may be a symptom of magnesium sulfate toxicity, especially if it is severe or combined with other symptoms, but on its own, it is not a definitive indicator of toxicity.
Choice C reason:
Facial flushing can be a reaction to medication, including magnesium sulfate, and may occur even at therapeutic levels. It is not usually a sign of toxicity unless accompanied by more serious symptoms.
Choice D reason:
Respiratory depression is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can indicate magnesium sulfate toxicity. It is characterized by a decrease in the ability to breathe and a drop in oxygen levels. This is a critical finding that requires immediate medical attention and intervention.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice a reason:
Increasing abdominal pain with a nonrelaxed uterus is not typically indicative of placenta previa. This symptom could suggest other complications such as uterine rupture or placental abruption, which are serious conditions requiring immediate medical attention.
Choice b reason:
Abdominal pain with scant red vaginal bleeding is also not a classic sign of placenta previa. While vaginal bleeding can occur in placenta previa, it is usually not associated with abdominal pain. Pain accompanied by bleeding is more suggestive of other obstetric emergencies.
Choice c reason:
Painless red vaginal bleeding is a hallmark sign of placenta previa. In placenta previa, the placenta covers the cervical os either partially or completely, leading to bleeding when the lower part of the uterus stretches and thins as part of the preparation for labor. This bleeding is typically sudden and painless and can range from light to heavy.
Choice d reason:
Intermittent abdominal pain following the passage of bloody mucus is not characteristic of placenta previa. This symptom could be associated with the normal process of losing the mucus plug as labor approaches or could indicate other conditions but is not specific to placenta previa.
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