A nurse is collecting data from a client who is 14 hr postpartum. The nurse notes breasts soft, fundus firm, slightly deviated to the right; moderate lochia rubra; temperature 37.7° C (100° F), pulse rate 88/min, respiratory rate 18/min. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform?
Encourage the client to nurse more frequently so her milk will come in.
Increase IV fluids.
Ask the client to empty her bladder.
Report the client's temperature elevation.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Encourage the client to nurse more frequently so her milk will come in is incorrect, as this action is not related to the data collected by the nurse. The nurse notes that the client's breasts are soft, which indicates that the milk has not come in yet. This is normal and expected for a client who is 14 hr postpartum, as milk production usually begins around 72 to 96 hr after birth. The nurse should encourage the client to nurse frequently and effectively to stimulate milk production and prevent engorgement.
Choice B reason: Increase IV fluids is incorrect, as this action is not indicated by the data collected by the nurse. The nurse notes that the client's vital signs are within normal limits, except for a slight temperature elevation. Increasing IV fluids can cause fluid overload and electrolyte imbalance in the client. The nurse should maintain the IV fluids at the prescribed rate and monitor the client's intake and output.
Choice C reason: Ask the client to empty her bladder is correct, as this action is indicated by the data collected by the nurse. The nurse notes that the client's fundus is firm but slightly deviated to the right, which suggests bladder distension. A full bladder can interfere with uterine contraction and involution and increase the risk of hemorrhage and infection. The nurse should assist the client to empty their bladder and reassess the fundal position.
Choice D reason: Report the client's temperature elevation is incorrect, as this action is not necessary for a slight temperature elevation in a postpartum client. The nurse notes that the client's temperature is 37.7° C (100° F), which is slightly above normal but within the range of expected findings for a postpartum client. A mild temperature elevation in the first 24 hr after birth can be due to dehydration, exertion, or hormonal changes and does not indicate infection. The nurse should encourage oral fluid intake and monitor the temperature every 4 hr.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Panting can help prevent premature pushing and reduce the risk of cervical edema or laceration. The client should be instructed to take short, shallow breaths through her mouth during contractions until she reaches 10 cm of dilation.
Choice B reason:
Assessing the perineum for signs of crowning is not a priority at this stage, as the fetus is not yet at a low enough station to be visible. Crowning usually occurs when the fetus is at +4 or +5 station.
Choice C reason:
Assisting the client into a comfortable position is important, but it does not address the urge to push. The client should be encouraged to change positions frequently to promote fetal descent and comfort.
Choice D reason:
Helping the client to the bathroom to empty her bladder is not advisable, as it can increase the risk of cord prolapse or rupture of membranes. The client should have an indwelling catheter inserted if she is unable to void spontaneously.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice B reason:
A fundus that is elevated and displaced from the midline indicates a full bladder, which can interfere with uterine contraction and increase the risk of hemorrhage. The nurse should assist the client to void or catheterize her if necessary.
Choice A reason:
Moderate swelling of the labia is a normal finding after vaginal delivery, and does not indicate a need to urinate. The nurse should apply ice packs and perineal pads to reduce edema and discomfort.
Choice C reason:
Moderate lochia rubra is a normal finding during the first 24 hr postpartum, and does not indicate a need to urinate. The nurse should monitor the amount and color of lochia, and change the perineal pads as needed.
Choice D reason:
A blood pressure of 130/84 mm Hg is within the normal range for a postpartum client, and does not indicate a need to urinate. The nurse should monitor the blood pressure for signs of hypertension or hypotension, which can indicate complications such as preeclampsia or hemorrhage.
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