Adllent, 1 day postpartum, is being monitored after a postpartum hemorrhage. Which of the following should the nurse report to the obstetrician?
Urine output of 200 mL for the past 8 hours.
Weight decrease of 2 pounds since delivery.
Pulse rate of 65 beats per minute.
Drop in hematocrit of 6% since admission.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice a) Urine output of 200 mL for the past 8 hours is incorrect because this is a normal finding for a postpartum woman. The average urine output for a healthy adult is about 800 to 2000 mL per day, which means about 100 to 250 mL per hour. Therefore, a urine output of 200 mL for the past 8 hours is within the normal range and does not indicate any complications.
Choice b) Weight decrease of 2 pounds since delivery is incorrect because this is also a normal finding for a postpartum woman. The weight loss is due to the expulsion of the placenta, amniotic fluid, and blood during delivery. A postpartum woman can expect to lose about 10 to 12 pounds immediately after giving birth, and another 5 pounds in the following weeks due to fluid loss. Therefore, a weight decrease of 2 pounds since delivery is not a cause for concern and does not need to be reported to the obstetrician.
Choice c) Pulse rate of 65 beats per minute is incorrect because this is also a normal finding for a postpartum woman. The normal resting pulse rate for an adult ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute, and it may decrease slightly after delivery due to blood loss and reduced cardiac output. Therefore, a pulse rate of 65 beats per minute is not indicative of any problems and does not require any intervention.
Choice d) Drop in hematocrit of 6% since admission is correct because this is an abnormal finding for a postpartum woman and suggests that she has developed anemia due to excessive blood loss. Hematocrit is the percentage of red blood cells in the blood, and it reflects the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. The normal hematocrit range for an adult female is 37% to 47%, and it may decrease slightly after delivery due to hemodilution. However, a drop in hematocrit of more than 10% from the baseline or below 30% indicates severe anemia and requires immediate treatment. Therefore, a drop in hematocrit of 6% since admission is a significant change that should be reported to the obstetrician as soon as possible.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: This is incorrect because Standard Precautions are a set of guidelines that apply to all patients, regardless of their infection status. They include using personal protective equipment, handling sharps and waste properly, and cleaning and disinfecting equipment and surfaces. However, they are not enough to prevent neonatal infection, as some pathogens can still be transmitted by contact or droplet.
Choice B: This is the correct answer because good hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent the transmission of microorganisms that can cause neonatal infection. The nurse should wash their hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub before and after touching the infant, the infant's environment, or any items that come in contact with the infant. The nurse should also educate the parents and visitors on the importance of hand hygiene and how to perform it correctly.
Choice C: This is incorrect because a separate gown technique involves wearing a clean gown for each infant and discarding it after use. This can help prevent cross-contamination between infants, but it does not eliminate the need for hand hygiene. The nurse should still wash their hands before and after wearing a gown, as well as before and after touching the infant or any items that come in contact with the infant.
Choice D: This is incorrect because isolation of infected infants involves placing them in a separate room or area with restricted access and using additional precautions based on the mode of transmission of the infection. This can help prevent the spread of infection to other infants, staff, or visitors, but it does not eliminate the need for hand hygiene. The nurse should still wash their hands before and after entering and leaving the isolation area, as well as before and after touching the infant or any items that come in contact with the infant.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice a) Ectopic pregnancy is incorrect because this is not a condition that requires delivery by cesarean section. Ectopic pregnancy is a condition where the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. It is a life-threatening complication that can cause internal bleeding and rupture of the tube. Ectopic pregnancy cannot result in a viable baby and must be terminated as soon as possible, either by medication or surgery. Therefore, this response is irrelevant and inaccurate.
Choice b) Preeclampsia is incorrect because this is not a condition that always necessitates delivery by cesarean section. Preeclampsia is a condition where the blood pressure rises above 140/90 mmHg after 20 weeks of pregnancy, along with proteinuria and edema. It can cause complications such as eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, placental abruption, and fetal growth restriction. The only cure for preeclampsia is delivery of the baby and placenta, but the mode of delivery depends on several factors, such as the gestational age, the severity of the condition, the fetal status, and the maternal preference. Therefore, some women with preeclampsia may deliver vaginally, while
others may need a cesarean section.
Choice c) Partial abruptio placentae is incorrect because this is not a condition that always necessitates delivery by cesarean section. Abruptio placentae is a condition where the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery, causing vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, uterine contractions, and fetal distress. It can be classified as partial or complete, depending on the extent of the separation. The mode of delivery for abruptio placentae depends on several factors, such as the degree of bleeding, the fetal viability, the cervical dilation, and the fetal position.
Therefore, some women with partial abruptio placentae may deliver vaginally, while others may need a cesarean section.
Choice d) Total placenta previa is correct because this is the only condition that always necessitates delivery by cesarean section. Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta covers part or all of the cervix, preventing normal delivery. It can be classified as marginal, partial, or total, depending on the degree of overlap. The mode of delivery for placenta previa depends on several factors, such as the type of previa, the amount of bleeding, the gestational age, and the fetal status. However, women with total placenta previa have no chance of delivering vaginally, as the placenta completely blocks the birth canal. Therefore, they must have a cesarean section to avoid hemorrhage and fetal compromise.
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