A nurse is caring for a client who is requesting to go to the bathroom immediately after a vaginal birth. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Inform the client that she can go to the bathroom whenever needed.
Evaluate the side effects of analgesia used during labor.
Advise the client to remain in bed for the next few hours.
Assist the client to the bathroom using a wheelchair.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Inform the client that she can go to the bathroom whenever needed is incorrect, as this action can put the client at risk of injury or complications. The client may experience orthostatic hypotension, dizziness, weakness, or bleeding after a vaginal birth, which can impair their ability to ambulate safely and independently. The nurse should assist the client to the bathroom and monitor their vital signs and lochia.
Choice B reason: This is the correct action. The nurse should assess the client for any residual effects of analgesia, such as dizziness or unsteadiness, which could increase the risk of falls if the client tries to get up.
Choice C reason: Advise the client to remain in bed for the next few hours is incorrect, as this action can increase the risk of bladder distension, infection, or thrombosis. The nurse should encourage and assist the client to ambulate early and frequently after a vaginal birth, as long as there are no contraindications. The nurse should also monitor the client for signs of orthostatic hypotension and provide support as needed.
Choice D reason: While assisting the client is a good approach, it is important to first evaluate her condition to ensure it is safe for her to get out of bed. If she has been assessed and is deemed safe to ambulate, assisting her to the bathroom with support might be appropriate. However, the initial step is to assess her condition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Fundus soft, 2 fingerbreadths below the umbilicus is incorrect, as this finding indicates uterine atony and subinvolution. The fundus is the upper part of the uterus that can be palpated through the abdomen after birth. The fundus should be firm and midline to indicate adequate uterine contraction and involution. A soft or boggy fundus can increase the risk of hemorrhage and infection.
Choice B reason: Fundus firm, 1 fingerbreadth below the umbilicus is correct, as this finding indicates normal uterine contraction and involution. The fundus is normally at the level of the umbilicus immediately after birth and then descends about one fingerbreadth per day. A firm and midline fundus can prevent excessive bleeding and promote healing.
Choice C reason: Fundus firm, 4 fingerbreadths above the umbilicus is incorrect, as this finding indicates a higher than expected fundal height for a client who is 24 hr postpartum. The fundus is normally at the level of the umbilicus immediately after birth and then descends about one fingerbreadth per day. A high fundal height can indicate uterine atony, retained placental fragments, or bladder distension.
Choice D reason: Fundus soft, to the right of the umbilicus is incorrect, as this finding indicates uterine atony and bladder distension. The fundus should be firm and midline to indicate adequate uterine contraction and involution. A deviated fundus can indicate bladder distension, which can interfere with uterine contraction and involution and increase the risk of hemorrhage and infection.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Three fingerbreadths above the umbilicus is incorrect, as this position indicates a higher than expected fundal height for a client who is 12 hr postpartum. The fundus is normally at the level of the umbilicus immediately after birth and then descends about one fingerbreadth per day. A high fundal height can indicate uterine atony, retained placental fragments, or bladder distension.
Choice B reason: One fingerbreadth above the symphysis pubis is incorrect, as this position indicates a lower than expected fundal height for a client who is 12 hr postpartum. The fundus is normally at the level of the umbilicus immediately after birth and then descends about one finger-breadth per day. A low fundal height can indicate uterine inversion, which is a rare but life-threatening complication.
Choice C reason: At the level of the umbilicus is correct, as this position indicates a normal and expected fundal height for a client who is 12 hr postpartum. The fundus is normally at the level of the umbilicus immediately after birth and then descends about one finger-breadth per day. A midline and firm fundus indicates adequate uterine contraction and involution.
Choice D reason: To the right of the umbilicus is incorrect, as this position indicates a deviated fundus for a client who is 12 hr postpartum. The fundus should be midline and not displaced to either side. A deviated fundus can indicate bladder distension, which can interfere with uterine contraction and involution. The nurse should assist the client to empty their bladder and reassess the fundal position.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today