A nurse on a postpartum unit is caring for a client.
Complete the following sentence by using the lists of options.
The client is most likely experiencing
The Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"C","dropdown-group-2":"A","dropdown-group-3":"C"}
- Endometritis – This uterine infection is one of the most common postpartum complications, especially following cesarean delivery and prolonged rupture of membranes. It often presents with foul-smelling lochia, uterine tenderness, and systemic signs of infection like fever and leukocytosis. This client’s presentation, including foul-smelling lochia and a WBC of 33,000/mm³, strongly supports this diagnosis.
- Mastitis – Typically associated with localized breast pain, redness, swelling, and systemic symptoms like fever. While the client has nipple discomfort and firm breasts, these are common postpartum findings during milk let-down and do not meet the criteria for mastitis, especially without signs of inflammation or localized breast infection.
- Pulmonary embolism – A PE generally presents with sudden-onset chest pain, dyspnea, tachypnea, and hypoxia. This client’s oxygen saturation is normal, lung sounds are clear, and there is no respiratory distress, making PE unlikely.
- Postpartum hemorrhage – Hemorrhage would present with excessive vaginal bleeding, hypotension, tachycardia, and possibly uterine atony. This client’s uterus is firm, lochia is moderate (not heavy), and vital signs are stable, so hemorrhage is not supported by the data.
- Lochia assessment – Foul-smelling lochia is a classic indicator of uterine infection. It points to endometritis when found with other risk factors like cesarean birth, prolonged labor, and signs of systemic inflammation.
- Elevated white blood cell count – A postpartum WBC count may be mildly elevated, but a level of 33,000/mm³ suggests infection. When combined with clinical symptoms like uterine tenderness and malodorous discharge, it supports a diagnosis of endometritis.
- Firm uterus at 1 cm above umbilicus – This finding is expected on postpartum day 3 and indicates normal uterine involution. A firm uterus rules out uterine atony and is not specific to infection or hemorrhage.
- Moderate nipple discomfort – Breast fullness and nipple tenderness are common in breastfeeding mothers, especially in the early postpartum period. This discomfort alone does not indicate mastitis or any systemic infection.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Shows perfectionism. Clients with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) are characterized by perfectionism, a preoccupation with orderliness, control, and rules, and a need for mental and interpersonal control, often at the expense of flexibility and efficiency.
B. Takes advantage of others. This behavior is more typical of antisocial personality disorder, not OCPD. Clients with OCPD tend to be highly conscientious, not manipulative or exploitative.
C. Irritability. While clients with OCPD may become frustrated or anxious if things are not done their way, chronic irritability is not a hallmark feature of the disorder.
D. Impulsivity. Impulsivity is more commonly associated with borderline or antisocial personality disorders. In contrast, clients with OCPD are typically rigid, cautious, and rule-bound.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "You will feel your baby moving within the next month." Fetal movement, or quickening, is typically felt between 16 and 20 weeks of gestation. At 9 weeks, it is too early for the client to detect fetal movement.
B. "Hormone shifts often cause vulvar itching." Vulvar itching is not a common or expected symptom of early pregnancy and may indicate an infection, such as a yeast infection, rather than a normal hormonal change.
C. "You should consume at least 3 liters of fluid each day." Adequate hydration is essential during pregnancy to support increased blood volume, amniotic fluid, and metabolic processes. A daily intake of about 3 liters of fluid helps prevent dehydration and constipation.
D. “Headaches are expected throughout pregnancy." While headaches can occur, especially in the first trimester due to hormonal changes, persistent or severe headaches may indicate complications like preeclampsia and should not be considered a normal, ongoing expectation.
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