A nurse is conducting an assessment on a client who is 4 hours postpartum following a vaginal delivery. Which of the following findings should the nurse prioritize?
Fundus at the level of the umbilicus
Saturated perineal pad in 30 minutes
Approximated edges of episiotomy
Deep tendon reflexes 4+
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
While the fundus at the level of the umbilicus is a normal finding for a woman who is 4 hours postpartum, it is not the priority in this case. The fundus, which is the top part of the uterus, typically descends at a rate of approximately one fingerbreadth (or one cm) per day, and by the 12th postpartum day, it should no longer be palpable.
Choice B rationale
A saturated perineal pad in 30 minutes is a sign of excessive bleeding, also known as postpartum hemorrhage. This is a serious condition that can lead to shock and other complications if not treated promptly. Therefore, this finding should be prioritized by the nurse.
Choice C rationale
Approximated edges of an episiotomy are a normal finding in the postpartum period. An episiotomy is a surgical incision made in the perineum to enlarge the vaginal opening for delivery. After delivery, the episiotomy is sutured and should heal without complications with proper care. However, this is not the priority finding in this scenario.
Choice D rationale
Deep tendon reflexes 4+ could be a sign of preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, often the liver and kidneys. However, since the client is already 4 hours postpartum, this is less likely to be the priority.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Obtaining rectal temperatures is not recommended for newborns with spinal bifida. This is because the rectal route can introduce bacteria into the body, which can lead to infection.
Additionally, the rectal route may not provide an accurate temperature reading for these newborns.
Choice B rationale
Covering the lesion with a dry dressing is not recommended for newborns with spinal bifida. The lesion should be kept moist to prevent drying and cracking, which can lead to infection.
Choice C rationale
Applying snug clean diapers is not recommended for newborns with spinal bifida. This is because the pressure from the diaper can damage the exposed nerves and tissues in the lesion area.
Choice D rationale
Placing the newborn in the prone position is recommended for newborns with spinal bifida. This position helps to minimize pressure on the lesion and reduces the risk of trauma and infection.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Perinatal asphyxia refers to a lack of oxygen flow to the fetus around the time of birth. This can lead to multiple organ dysfunction and neurological issues, but it is not a common cause of a newborn being small for gestational age.
Choice B rationale
Preterm delivery can result in a newborn being small for their gestational age simply because they have not had the full amount of time to grow in the womb. However, preterm babies are typically compared to other preterm babies when assessing size, not to full-term babies.
Choice C rationale
Fetal hyperinsulinemia, or an excess of insulin in the fetus, can lead to excessive growth and a larger-than-average baby size (macrosomia), not a smaller size.
Choice D rationale
Placental insufficiency, where the placenta does not work as well as it should, can limit the amount of oxygen and nutrients the fetus receives. This can restrict the baby’s growth, leading to a small size for gestational age.
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