A nurse is caring for a postpartum client who delivered vaginally yesterday and has been experiencing heavy vaginal bleeding since delivery.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Assess vital signs.
Palpate fundus.
Administer oxytocin as prescribed.
Check perineal pad.
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is B. Palpate fundus.
The nurse should first assess the fundus to determine if it is firm and at the expected level of involution.
A boggy or displaced fundus can indicate uterine atony, which is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage.
By massaging the fundus, the nurse can stimulate uterine contractions and reduce bleeding.
A. Assess vital signs.
This statement is wrong because assessing vital signs is not the first action the nurse should take.
Vital signs can indicate the severity of blood loss and shock, but they do not address the cause of bleeding.
C. Administer oxytocin as prescribed.
This statement is wrong because administering oxytocin is not the first action the nurse should take.
Oxytocin is a medication that can enhance uterine contractions and reduce bleeding, but it should be given after assessing and massaging the fundus.
D. Check perineal pad.
This statement is wrong because checking perineal pad is not the first action the nurse should take.
Checking perineal pad can help estimate the amount of blood loss, but it does not address the cause of bleeding.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A.The woman should change her perineal pad every time she uses the bathroom to prevent infection and promote healing of the perineal area.
Some possible explanations for the other choices are:
• Choice B is wrong because the woman should wipe her perineum from front to back after urinating or defecating to avoid introducing bacteria from the anus to the vagina or urethra.
• Choice C is wrong because the woman should apply ice packs on her perineum for the first 24 hours after birth, not for the first week.
Ice packs help reduce swelling and pain in the per
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D. I would stop feeding my baby until the pain goes away.This response indicates a need for further teaching because stopping breastfeeding can worsen the uterine cramping and also affect the milk supply and the baby’s nutrition.Uterine cramping or “afterpains” are normal after delivery and are caused by the uterus contracting and shrinking back to its normal size.Breastfeeding can trigger these contractions because it stimulates the release of oxytocin, a hormone that helps the uterus contract.
Choice A is wrong because ibuprofen is a safe and effective pain reliever for postpartum women and can be taken before feeding the baby.Choice B is wrong because massaging the abdomen gently during feeding can help ease the afterpains by stimulating blood flow and relaxing the muscles.Choice C is wrong because relaxation and breathing techniques can also help reduce the pain by lowering stress and tension levels.These are some of the self-help treatments that can be used along with medications to manage postpartum pain.
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