A nurse is collecting data from a postpartum client and finds a large amount of lochia rubra with several clots on the client's perineal pad. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Request the provider perform a vaginal examination.
Check the client's fundus.
Measure the client's vital signs.
Feel for a full bladder.
The Correct Answer is B
Check the client's fundus. Lochia rubra is the normal vaginal bleeding and discharge that occurs after childbirth. It consists of blood, mucus, and tissue from the placenta and the uterus lining. It is usually bright red and may have some clots, but these clots should not be big or difficult to pass. If the client has a large amount of lochia rubra with several clots, it may indicate that the uterus is not contracting well and needs to be massaged to expel any retained tissue or blood. Checking the client's fundus is the first action the nurse should take to assess the uterine tone and location.
Choice A is incorrect because requesting the provider perform a vaginal examination is not the first action the nurse should take. A vaginal examination may be necessary if the fundal massage does not reduce the bleeding or if there is a suspicion of lacerations or hematoma, but it is not a priority intervention.
Choice C is incorrect because measuring the client's vital signs is not the first action the nurse should take. Vital signs can help monitor the client's hemodynamic status and identify signs of shock, such as tachycardia, hypotension, and pallor, but they are not as important as checking the fundus in this situation.
Choice D is incorrect because feeling for a full bladder is not the first action the nurse should take. A full bladder can displace the uterus and interfere with its contraction, leading to increased bleeding. However, it is not as likely as uterine atony to cause a large amount of lochia rubra with several clots.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Asymmetrical chest movement is a sign of respiratory distress in the newborn, as it indicates unequal lung expansion or airway obstruction. A respiratory rate of 50 breaths/minute (choice B) is normal for a newborn, as is acrocyanosis (choice C), which is a bluish discoloration of the hands and feet due to immature peripheral circulation. Short periods of apnea (less than 15 seconds) (choice D) are also common and benign in newborns unless they are associated with bradycardia or cyanosis.
Choice B is not correct because a respiratory rate of 50 breaths/minute is within the normal range for a newborn.
Choice C is not correct because acrocyanosis is a normal finding in newborns and does not indicate respiratory distress.
Choice D is not correct because short periods of apnea (less than 15 seconds) are normal in newborns and do not indicate respiratory distress.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Fullness of the bladder. A boggy uterus with the fundus above the umbilicus and deviated to the side indicates that the uterus is not contracting properly and may be displaced by a full bladder. A full bladder can interfere with uterine involution and increase the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. The nurse should assess the bladder and assist the patient to empty it if needed.
Choice A. Blood pressure is not the next assessment because it is not related to the position and tone of the uterus. Blood pressure may be affected by blood loss, but it is not a priority in this situation.
Choice B. Amount of lochia is not the next assessment because it is not related to the position and tone of the uterus. Lochia may be increased or decreased depending on the uterine contraction, but it is not a priority in this situation.
Choice D. Level of pain is not the next assessment because it is not related to the position and tone of the uterus. Pain may be present due to uterine cramping or other factors, but it is not a priority in this situation.
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