A woman who delivered a normal newborn 24 hours ago reports, "I seem to be urinating every hour or so. Is that OK?" Which action should the practical nurse (PN) implement?
Catheterize the client for residual urine volume
Measure the next voiding, then palpate the client's bladder
Evaluate for normal involution, then massage the fundus
Obtain a specimen for urine culture and sensitivity
The Correct Answer is B
- Urinary output is an important indicator of fluid balance and kidney function. After delivery, a woman may experience increased urinary output due to the loss of excess fluid that was retained during pregnancy and the diuretic effect of oxytocin, which is released during breastfeeding. This is a normal and expected finding in the postpartum period.
- However, increased urinary output may also be a sign of urinary retention, which is the inability to empty the bladder completely. Urinary retention can occur due to trauma to the bladder or urethra during delivery, swelling or hematoma of the perineum, epidural anesthesia, or decreased bladder sensation.Urinary retention can lead to complications such as infection, bladder distension, or postpartum hemorrhage.
- Therefore, when a woman who delivered a normal newborn 24 hours ago reports that she seems to be urinating every hour or so, the practical nurse (PN) should measure the next voiding, then palpate the client's bladder. This will help to assess the amount and quality of urine and the presence or absence of bladder distension. A normal urine output is about 30 ml per hour, and a normal bladder should feel soft and empty after voiding. If the urine output is low or high, or if the bladder feels firm or full after voiding, the PN should report these findings to the primary healthcare provider for further evaluation and intervention.
Therefore, option B is the correct answer, while options A, C, and D are incorrect.
Option A is incorrect because catheterizing the client for residual urine volume is an invasive procedure that should only be done if indicated by the primary healthcare provider.
Option C is incorrect because evaluating for normal involution and massaging the fundus are related to uterine function, not urinary function.
Option D is incorrect because obtaining a specimen for urine culture and sensitivity is not necessary unless there are signs of infection, such as fever, dysuria, or foul-smelling urine.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. The LPN and AP lower the side rails before lifting the client up in bed is incorrect. This is a safe practice that prevents injury to the client and staff by providing more space for movement and reducing the risk of falling.
B. Prior to lifting the client, the LPN and AP raise the bed to waist level is incorrect. This is a safe practice that prevents injury to the client and staff by reducing the need for bending and lifting.
C. The LPN and the AP grasp the client under his arms to lift him up in bed is correct. This is an unsafe practice that can cause injury to the client's shoulders, neck, and axillae by applying excessive pressure and friction. The LPN and AP should use a draw sheet or a mechanical lift device to move the client up in bed.
D. The LPN and the AP ask the client to flex his knees and push his heels into the bed as they lift is incorrect. This is a safe practice that encourages active participation from the client and reduces the workload for the staff by using leverage.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Option A is incorrect because enrolling the UAP in a hospital education class on conducting safe client care does not address the immediate problem or correct the error.
Option B-This would be inappropriate for oral care in an unconscious client as it increases the risk of aspiration.The side-lying position is safer for oral hygiene in unconscious clients.
Option C:While encouraging family participation can be beneficial, it is not the most immediate concern in this situation. The priority is ensuring safe and effective care, which the UAP is providing correctly.
Option D:The flat side-lying position is appropriate for an unconscious client during oral hygiene care. This position helps to prevent aspiration by allowing any secretions or fluids to drain out of the mouth rather than down the throat, which could happen if the client were in a Fowler's position. The presence of the emesis basin near the chin also indicates that the UAP is prepared to catch any fluids, further reducing the risk of aspiration
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