A nurse is caring for a client who is 2 hours postpartum.
The nurse notes that the client soaked a perineal pad in 10 minutes, the client’s skin color is ashen, and she states she feels weak and light-headed.
After applying oxygen via a non-rebreather face mask at 10 L/min, which of the following actions should the nurse take next?
Tilt the client onto her right side with her legs elevated to at least 30 degrees.
Administer oxytocin by continuous IV infusion.
Insert an indwelling urinary catheter.
Massage the client’s fundus to promote contractions.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Tilt the client onto her right side with her legs elevated to at least 30 degrees. This action is not the most immediate step to take. While it can help improve venous return and thus cardiac output, it does not directly address the issue of postpartum hemorrhage.
Choice B rationale
Administer oxytocin by continuous IV infusion. Oxytocin is a medication that can stimulate uterine contractions and help control postpartum bleeding. However, it should be administered after the nurse has assessed the uterus and determined that it is not contracting effectively on its own.
Choice C rationale
Insert an indwelling urinary catheter. While a full bladder can inhibit effective uterine contractions and contribute to bleeding, inserting a catheter is not the first step in managing a postpartum hemorrhage.
Choice D rationale
Massage the client’s fundus to promote contractions. This is the correct answer. Fundal massage stimulates the uterus to contract, which can help control postpartum bleeding. It is a first-line intervention for a boggy uterus and postpartum hemorrhage.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Betamethasone does not increase the fetal heart rate. It is a corticosteroid given to pregnant women who are at risk of preterm delivery to enhance fetal lung maturity and prevent respiratory distress syndrome.
Choice B rationale
Betamethasone is not used to stop preterm labor contractions. Other medications, such as tocolytics, are used for this purpose.
Choice C rationale
This is the correct answer. Betamethasone is given to promote fetal lung maturity. It is usually given in two doses, 24 hours apart, and takes effect within 24 hours of administration.
Choice D rationale
Betamethasone does not halt cervical dilation. It is given to enhance fetal lung maturity, not to stop labor.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Chadwick’s sign is a bluish discoloration of the cervix, vagina, and labia resulting from increased blood flow. This sign is commonly seen in early pregnancy, but it does not indicate the presence of blood in the peritoneum.
Choice B rationale
Chvostek’s sign is a clinical sign of existing nerve hyperexcitability seen in hypocalcemia. It refers to an abnormal reaction to the stimulation of the facial nerve. This sign is not related to a ruptured ectopic pregnancy.
Choice C rationale
Goodell’s sign is a significant softening of the vaginal portion of the cervix from increased vascularization. This vascular softening is seen in early pregnancy. It does not indicate the presence of blood in the peritoneum.
Choice D rationale
Cullen’s sign is the appearance of bruising in the skin around the umbilicus. It occurs when there is blood in the peritoneum, or intra-abdominal bleeding. In the case of a suspected ruptured ectopic pregnancy, Cullen’s sign would indicate the presence of blood in the peritoneum.
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