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 lightheaded. After applying oxygen via nonrebreather face mask at 10 L/min, which of the following actions should the nurse take next?

Insert an indwelling urinary catheter.

Administer oxytocin by continuous IV infusion.

Massage the client's fundus to promote contractions.

Tilt the client onto her right side with her legs elevated to at least 30 degrees.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason:
Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter can be helpful in measuring urine output and reducing bladder distention, which may impede uterine contractions. However, it is not the immediate next step in managing postpartum hemorrhage.

Choice B reason:
Administering oxytocin by continuous IV infusion is a standard intervention to promote uterine contractions after delivery, which helps to control bleeding. However, before starting an oxytocin infusion, it is important to ensure that there are no retained placental fragments and that the uterus is not already well-contracted.

Choice C reason:
Massaging the client's fundus is the priority action because it can stimulate uterine contractions, which are essential for controlling postpartum bleeding. A firm, contracted uterus helps to compress the blood vessels and prevent excessive bleeding.

Choice D reason:
Tilting the client onto her right side with her legs elevated can help improve venous return and may be part of the management for shock. However, the immediate concern in a postpartum client with excessive bleeding is to manage the bleeding by promoting uterine contractions.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason:
A blood pressure reading of 148/98 mm Hg is consistent with preeclampsia. High blood pressure is a hallmark sign of preeclampsia, and a reading at or above 140/90 mm Hg is considered elevated and may warrant a preeclampsia diagnosis.

Choice B reason:
The presence of 3+ protein in the urine is another indicator consistent with preeclampsia. Proteinuria, or high levels of protein in the urine, is a common symptom of preeclampsia and can indicate kidney involvement.

Choice C reason:
1+ pitting sacral edema is also consistent with preeclampsia. While some swelling is normal during pregnancy, sudden or excessive swelling (edema) can be a sign of preeclampsia, especially when it occurs in the face, hands, or around the eyes.

Choice D reason:
Deep tendon reflexes of +1 are generally considered to be within the normal range. In preeclampsia, hyperreflexia, or increased reflexes, are more common due to heightened nervous system activity, which would be indicated by a score higher than +2². Therefore, a finding of +1 is inconsistent with preeclampsia and may suggest that reflexes are not as heightened as would typically be expected in this condition.

A. Food and fluids should not be consumed the day of the procedure. B. Complete a bowel prep protocol the day before the procedure. C. Empty her bladder immediately prior to the procedure. D. Wash her abdomen with soap and water the morning of the procedure.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A Reason:
It is not necessary to avoid food and fluids the day of the procedure unless specifically instructed by the healthcare provider. Amniocentesis does not typically require fasting; however, some facilities may have different protocols.

Choice B Reason:
A bowel prep protocol is not required for an amniocentesis. This procedure is unrelated to the gastrointestinal tract, and bowel preparation is more commonly associated with procedures like colonoscopy.

Choice C Reason:
Emptying the bladder immediately prior to the procedure is important. A full bladder can obstruct the view of the uterus during ultrasound, which is used to guide the amniocentesis needle. Additionally, an empty bladder reduces the risk of accidental puncture during the procedure.

Choice D Reason:
Washing the abdomen with soap and water the morning of the procedure is a good hygiene practice but is not specifically required for amniocentesis. The area will be cleaned with antiseptic by the healthcare provider before the procedure.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for an adolescent client who is gravida 1, para 0. The client was admitted to the hospital at 38 weeks of gestation with a diagnosis of preeclampsia. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as inconsistent with preeclampsia?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is teaching a client who is at 23 weeks of gestation and will return to the facility in 2 days for an amniocentesis. Which of the following instructions should the nurse give the client?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse in a provider's office is caring for a client who is at 36 weeks of gestation and scheduled for an amniocentesis. The client asks why she is having an ultrasound prior to the procedure. Which of the following is an appropriate response by the nurse?

A nurse is admitting a term newborn following a cesarean birth. The nurse observes that the newborn's skin is slightly yellow. This finding indicates the newborn is experiencing a complication related to which of the following?

A nurse is instructing a woman who is contemplating pregnancy about nutritional needs. To reduce the risk of giving birth to a newborn who has a neural tube defect, which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

A nurse is planning care for a newborn who is small for gestational age (SGA). Which of the following is the priority intervention the nurse should include in the newborn's plan of care?

A nurse is caring for a client who has severe preeclampsia and is receiving magnesium sulfate IV at 2 g/hr. Which of the following findings indicates that it is safe for the nurse to continue the infusion?

A nurse is caring for a client who experienced a vaginal delivery 12 hours ago. When palpating the client's abdomen, at which of the following positions should the nurse expect to find the uterine fundus?

A nurse in a clinic is assessing a client who is at 8 weeks of gestation and has hyperemesis gravidarum. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply)

A nurse is caring for a client who is in the first stage of labor. The nurse observes the umbilical cord protruding from the vagina. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform first?