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
While providing age-appropriate stimulation is important for all newborns, it is not the priority nursing goal in caring for a newborn with a myelomeningocele awaiting surgery.
Choice B rationale
Educating the parents about the defect is an important part of care, but it is not the priority nursing goal. The immediate physical needs of the newborn take precedence.
Choice C rationale
This is the correct answer. The sac covering the exposed neural tissue must be carefully protected to prevent infection and further damage. Therefore, maintaining the integrity of the sac is the priority nursing goal.
Choice D rationale
Promoting maternal-infant bonding is important, but it is not the priority nursing goal in caring for a newborn with a myelomeningocele awaiting surgery.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Obtaining rectal temperatures is not recommended for newborns with spinal bifida. This is because the rectal route can introduce bacteria into the body, which can lead to infection.
Additionally, the rectal route may not provide an accurate temperature reading for these newborns.
Choice B rationale
Covering the lesion with a dry dressing is not recommended for newborns with spinal bifida. The lesion should be kept moist to prevent drying and cracking, which can lead to infection.
Choice C rationale
Applying snug clean diapers is not recommended for newborns with spinal bifida. This is because the pressure from the diaper can damage the exposed nerves and tissues in the lesion area.
Choice D rationale
Placing the newborn in the prone position is recommended for newborns with spinal bifida. This position helps to minimize pressure on the lesion and reduces the risk of trauma and infection.
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