A nurse is working with a client who is 6 hour postpartum following a vaginal birth with first -degree laceration. Which of the following, actions is an example of the nurse providing a stepwise approach to manage the client's pain?
Offering opioids followed by topical treatment!
Offering mindfulness only for pain
Giving the ghest dose of opioids to make sure to eliminate the pain
Starting with ibuprofen for pain management and adding cold therapy for additional relief.
The Correct Answer is D
A) Offering opioids followed by topical treatment:
While opioids can be effective for pain, they are typically reserved for more severe pain and are not the first line of treatment for the moderate pain commonly experienced postpartum, especially after a first-degree laceration. A stepwise approach emphasizes starting with less potent options and progressing as needed, so offering opioids first is not appropriate here.
B) Offering mindfulness only for pain:
While mindfulness and other non-pharmacological techniques can be helpful for pain management, offering only mindfulness as the sole approach may not adequately address the client's pain, especially in the early postpartum period. A stepwise approach typically involves combining pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods to achieve effective pain relief, so relying only on mindfulness is not the most effective strategy for this situation.
C) Giving the highest dose of opioids to make sure to eliminate the pain:
Stepwise pain management involves starting with the least invasive and least potent option, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, and escalating treatment if necessary. Using high doses of opioids first can lead to unnecessary side effects and risks, especially when less potent options would suffice.
D) Starting with ibuprofen for pain management and adding cold therapy for additional relief:
This is an example of a stepwise approach to pain management. Starting with ibuprofen, an NSAID, addresses inflammation and mild to moderate pain effectively, which is appropriate for a first-degree laceration. Cold therapy can be added for additional relief, as it helps reduce swelling and numb the area, which can further reduce discomfort. This combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments follows the principle of starting with less potent options and adding more if needed, making it the best choice.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["C","E","H","I"]
Explanation
Findings that require follow-up:
Uterus boggy at 24 hr postpartum:
A boggy uterus indicates poor uterine contraction, which can lead to postpartum hemorrhage. Effective uterine contraction is crucial to prevent excessive bleeding after delivery, and this finding warrants immediate intervention, such as fundal massage or administering uterotonic medications.
Lochia rubra with foul odor:
Foul-smelling lochia is a sign of potential infection, often indicative of endometritis, which is an infection of the uterine lining. The presence of this odor requires prompt follow-up and possibly antibiotic treatment to prevent further complications.
Elevated temperature (38.3°C/100.9°F) at 24 hr postpartum:
A postpartum fever may indicate infection, such as endometritis or a urinary tract infection (UTI). This fever should be investigated further to determine the cause and appropriate treatment, as untreated infections can lead to serious complications.
Increased heart rate (105/min) at 24 hr postpartum:
Tachycardia in the postpartum period can be a sign of infection or early signs of hemodynamic instability, possibly due to blood loss or infection. Close monitoring is necessary, and the healthcare provider should be notified to evaluate the cause and initiate treatment if necessary.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
A) Contractions that increase in intensity:
This is a hallmark sign of true labor. In true labor, contractions become progressively more intense, frequent, and regular. They also do not subside with rest or changes in activity. The intensity of contractions gradually increases as the cervix dilates and effaces, signaling the onset of labor.
B) Leakage of fluid from the vagina:
Leakage of fluid from the vagina, particularly if it is clear and odorless, is indicative of rupture of membranes, which can occur in true labor. If the membranes rupture and there is a continuous leakage of fluid, it is important for the client to contact the healthcare provider as it may signal the onset of labor. This is a significant sign of labor, especially if accompanied by contractions.
C) Increased bladder pressure:
Increased bladder pressure can occur in pregnancy, especially as the uterus grows and presses on the bladder. However, bladder pressure alone is not a definitive sign of true labor. It can also be a common complaint during late pregnancy, even before labor begins. This symptom would not be specific to true labor.
D) Blood-tinged vaginal mucus:
A bloody show, or blood-tinged mucus, is another classic sign of true labor. This happens as the cervix begins to soften, dilate, and efface, causing small blood vessels in the cervix to break. The bloody show is typically a pink or brownish mucus discharge and can occur just before labor starts, signaling that the cervix is changing in preparation for delivery.
E) Uterine contractions that decrease with rest:
This is a characteristic of false labor (Braxton Hicks contractions). In false labor, contractions tend to decrease or stop when the woman changes position, rests, or hydrates. On the other hand, in true labor, contractions persist and increase in intensity and frequency even with rest or hydration. Therefore, this is not a sign of true labor.
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