A nurse receives report about assigned clients at the start of the shift. Which of the following clients should the nurse plan to see first?
A client who experienced a cesarean birth 4 hr ago and reports severe pain.
A client who has preeclampsia with a BP of 128/80 mm Hg
A client who is scheduled for discharge following a vaginal delivery without complications.
A client who experienced a vaginal birth 24 hr ago and reports a scant amount of lochia.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: This client should be seen first, as she has the most urgent and acute problem that requires immediate assessment and intervention. Severe pain after a cesarean birth can indicate infection, hemorrhage, or wound dehiscence, which are serious complications that can affect the client's recovery and well-being. The nurse should evaluate the client's pain level, location, and characteristics, and administer analgesics as prescribed. The nurse should also inspect the incision site, monitor the vital signs and lochia, and provide comfort measures.
Choice B reason: This client should be seen second, as she has a chronic and stable problem that requires ongoing monitoring and management. Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy that can cause complications, such as eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, or placental abruption. However, this client has a mild elevation of blood pressure that does not indicate severe preeclampsia or imminent eclampsia. The nurse should check the client's urine protein, reflexes, and edema, and report any signs of worsening condition to the provider.
Choice C reason: This client should be seen third, as she has a normal and expected outcome that requires routine education and discharge planning. A vaginal delivery without complications does not pose any significant risk or concern for the client or the newborn. The nurse should review the discharge instructions, such as follow-up appointments, self-care, breastfeeding, and warning signs, and answer any questions that the client may have.
Choice D reason: This client should be seen last, as she has a common and benign finding that requires reassurance and documentation. A scant amount of lochia after a vaginal birth is normal and expected, as it reflects the healing and involution of the uterus. The nurse should assess the color, odor, and consistency of the lochia, and provide perineal care and hygiene education to the client.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Obtaining a type and crossmatch is not the first action that the nurse should take, as it is a preparatory step for blood transfusion, which may or may not be needed. The nurse should first identify the cause and severity of the hypotension, and initiate immediate interventions to stop the bleeding and restore the circulation.
Choice B reason: Administering oxytocin infusion is not the first action that the nurse should take, as it is a pharmacological intervention that requires a prescription and an assessment of the uterine tone and bleeding. The nurse should first evaluate the firmness of the uterus and massage it if needed, to stimulate the contraction and retraction of the uterine muscle.
Choice C reason: Initiating oxygen therapy by nonrebreather mask is not the first action that the nurse should take, as it is a supportive intervention that aims to improve the oxygen delivery to the tissues and organs. The nurse should first address the underlying cause of the hypotension, which is most likely postpartum hemorrhage, and prevent further blood loss and shock.
Choice D reason: Evaluating the firmness of the uterus is the first action that the nurse should take, as it can help determine the source and extent of the bleeding, and guide the subsequent interventions. The nurse should palpate the fundus and check the lochia, and report any signs of uterine atony, which is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Calcium carbonate is not the compound that the nurse should have readily available, as it is an antacid that neutralizes stomach acid and relieves heartburn. Calcium carbonate is not used to treat severe preeclampsia or magnesium sulfate toxicity, which are the conditions that the client may have.
Choice B reason: Potassium chloride is not the compound that the nurse should have readily available, as it is an electrolyte supplement that replenishes potassium levels and prevents hypokalemia. Potassium chloride is not used to treat severe preeclampsia or magnesium sulfate toxicity, which are the conditions that the client may have.
Choice C reason: Ferrous sulfate is not the compound that the nurse should have readily available, as it is an iron supplement that prevents or treats iron deficiency anemia. Ferrous sulfate is not used to treat severe preeclampsia or magnesium sulfate toxicity, which are the conditions that the client may have.
Choice D reason: Calcium gluconate is the compound that the nurse should have readily available, as it is an antidote that reverses the effects of magnesium sulfate and restores calcium levels and neuromuscular function. Calcium gluconate is used to treat severe preeclampsia or magnesium sulfate toxicity, which are the conditions that the client may have.
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