A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing shaking chills during the immediate postpartum period. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Determine the client's temperature.
Place the client on seizure precautions.
Notify the charge nurse.
Cover the client with warm blankets.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is D. Cover the client with warm blankets.
Choice A rationale:
Shaking chills are not always associated with fever, especially during the immediate postpartum period. While determining the client's temperature can rule out infection, this action does not provide immediate relief or comfort. The chills are often physiological due to hormonal and vascular changes.
Choice B rationale:
Seizure precautions are unnecessary unless additional symptoms, such as loss of consciousness or convulsions, are observed. Shaking chills are typically not indicative of a neurological event but rather a normal postpartum response.
Choice C rationale:
Notifying the charge nurse is unnecessary unless the shaking is accompanied by other abnormal findings, such as fever or prolonged chills. The immediate priority is to ensure client comfort.
Choice D rationale:
Providing warm blankets addresses the primary issue of discomfort caused by postpartum chills. This is a standard intervention to stabilize the client's body temperature and promote comfort. The action is immediate, non-invasive, and effective.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A: Respiratory rate of 16/min.
Choice A rationale:
A respiratory rate of 16/min is within the normal range for adults, which is typically between 12 to 20 breaths per minute. In the context of severe preeclampsia, maintaining a normal respiratory rate is crucial when administering magnesium sulfate IV, as one of the signs of magnesium toxicity is respiratory depression. Therefore, a respiratory rate of 16/min indicates that the client is not experiencing respiratory depression and it is safe to continue the magnesium sulfate infusion.
Choice B rationale:
A heart rate of 60/min is at the lower end of the normal range, which is 60 to 100 beats per minute for adults. However, bradycardia or a low heart rate can be a sign of magnesium sulfate toxicity, especially if accompanied by other symptoms such as hypotension or altered mental status. Without additional context, a heart rate of 60/min alone does not necessarily indicate it is unsafe to continue the infusion, but it would require further assessment.
Choice C rationale:
A urine output of 50 mL in 4 hours is significantly below the expected minimum of 30 mL/hour for adults. Adequate urine output is an important indicator of kidney function and is essential for the excretion of magnesium. In the case of magnesium sulfate infusion for severe preeclampsia, a low urine output could indicate renal insufficiency and an increased risk of magnesium toxicity. Therefore, a urine output of 50 mL in 4 hours is a contraindication for continuing the infusion without further evaluation.
Choice D rationale:
Diminished deep-tendon reflexes can be a sign of magnesium toxicity. Deep-tendon reflexes are assessed to monitor for signs of magnesium overdose during infusion, as magnesium acts as a central nervous system depressant at high levels. If deep-tendon reflexes are diminished, it may suggest that the serum magnesium levels are too high, and the infusion should be paused or discontinued to prevent further toxicity.
In summary, the only finding that clearly indicates it is safe to continue the magnesium sulfate infusion is a normal respiratory rate, as provided in choice A. The other options either require further assessment or are indicators of potential magnesium toxicity.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
If the client is Rh positive and the newborn is Rh negative, there is no indication for administering Rho(D) immune globulin. Rho(D) immune globulin is only given when the Rh-negative mother gives birth to an Rh-positive baby.
Choice B rationale:
This is the correct choice for administering Rho(D) immune globulin. When the mother is Rh negative and the newborn is Rh positive, there is a risk of Rh incompatibility. If the fetal blood enters the mother's circulation during delivery, her immune system may produce antibodies against Rh-positive blood cells, which can be harmful to future Rh-positive pregnancies. To prevent this, Rho(D) immune globulin is administered to the Rh-negative mother shortly after delivery.
Choice C rationale:
If both the mother and the newborn are Rh-negative, there is no risk of Rh incompatibility. Rho(D) immune globulin is not required in this situation.
Choice D rationale:
If both the mother and the newborn are Rh-positive, there is no risk of Rh incompatibility. Rho(D) immune globulin is not indicated in this case.
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