A nurse working on a postpartum unit is collecting data from four clients. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
A client who has a reddened area on their right calf
A client who reports painful uterine contractions during breastfeeding
A client who has a urinary output of 125 mL in 4 hr
A client who reports changing their perineal pad every 2 hr
The Correct Answer is C
A) Incorrect- A reddened area on the calf might indicate a potential blood clot (deep vein thrombosis), which is important to assess but may not be the highest priority.
B) Incorrect- Painful uterine contractions during breastfeeding can be a normal response due to oxytocin release during breastfeeding and might not require immediate reporting.
C) Correct - A urinary output of 125 mL in 4 hours is significantly low and could indicate inadequate fluid intake, potential urinary retention, or other issues that need prompt attention. It is a sign of impaired renal function. This could indicate dehydration, blood loss, infection, or kidney injury. The nurse should assess the client's fluid intake and output, vital signs, urine specific gravity, and serum electrolyte levels. The nurse should also monitor the client for signs of hypovolemia, such as tachycardia, hypotension, and decreased skin turgor.
D) Incorrect- Changing a perineal pad every 2 hours is within the normal range for postpartum bleeding and might not require immediate reporting.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Tachycardia is not a common or direct adverse effect of epidural anesthesia itself. While a rapid heart rate may occur secondary to maternal anxiety or as a compensatory response to hypotension, it is not the primary physiological marker for epidural complications. Heart rate typically remains stable or may decrease slightly as pain is relieved and sympathetic activity is modulated.
B. Fever is a documented potential adverse effect associated with epidural anesthesia, particularly during labor. The exact mechanism is multifactorial, potentially involving altered thermoregulation, reduced heat dissipation due to sympathetic blockade, or a non-infectious inflammatory response. Clinicians must distinguish this pharmacological pyrexia from maternal infection to ensure appropriate neonatal and maternal management following the delivery.
C. Tachypnea, or an increased respiratory rate, is generally not associated with epidural anesthesia. In fact, if the anesthesia level rises too high, it can lead to respiratory depression or a decreased rate due to the blockade of intercostal muscle nerves. Effective epidural analgesia usually promotes a more relaxed, normal breathing pattern by successfully alleviating the physiological stress and hyperventilation caused by acute pain.
D. Hypertension is the opposite of the expected vascular response to epidural anesthesia. The local anesthetic typically causes a sympathetic blockade, leading to peripheral vasodilation and a significant risk of maternal hypotension rather than high blood pressure. Monitoring blood pressure is a critical nursing priority because decreased systemic vascular resistance can compromise placental perfusion and lead to fetal heart rate decelerations.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Incorrect- Checking urine for ketones is not necessary if the newborn's blood glucose level is low but stable and the baby is asymptomatic.
B) Incorrect- Administering glucagon is not indicated for an asymptomatic newborn with a low but stable blood glucose level.
C) Correct - Encouraging additional feeding is appropriate for an asymptomatic newborn with a low blood glucose level. Regular feeding can help increase blood glucose levels.
D) Incorrect- Waiting 4 hours to recheck blood glucose might not be appropriate if the baby's blood glucose is currently low. Addressing the low blood glucose level is more immediate.
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