During a postpartum visit, a client reports vivid hallucinations and delusional thinking 10 days after delivery. Based on these symptoms, which condition is the nurse likely to suspect?

Postpartum psychosis

PMAD

Postpartum depression

Postpartum blues

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Postpartum psychosis is correct. postpartum psychosis is a rare but serious psychiatric emergency that typically occurs within the first 2 weeks after delivery. It is characterized by hallucinations, delusions, confusion, rapid mood swings, and disorganized behavior. The client’s report of vivid hallucinations and delusional thinking 10 days postpartum fits this clinical picture. Immediate intervention is critical due to the risk of harm to the mother or infant.

B. PMAD (perinatal mood and anxiety disorder) is a broad category that includes depression and anxiety disorders occurring during pregnancy or postpartum. While postpartum psychosis is included under severe PMADs, the term PMAD is not specific enough to describe the acute psychotic symptoms reported.

C. Postpartum depression involves persistent sadness, guilt, anxiety, or loss of interest, often accompanied by sleep and appetite disturbances. It does not typically include hallucinations or delusions, so this option does not match the client’s symptoms.

D. Postpartum blues (baby blues) usually begin within the first few days after delivery and resolve within 10–14 days. Symptoms are mild, transient, and include tearfulness, irritability, and mood swings. The presence of psychotic symptoms makes postpartum blues an inappropriate diagnosis in this scenario.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Substance use disorder describes a pattern of substance use in an individual that leads to clinically significant impairment or distress. While the mother may have a substance use disorder, this term does not describe the newborn’s symptoms.

B. Fetal alcohol syndrome results from prenatal alcohol exposure and is characterized by growth restriction, facial dysmorphisms, and neurodevelopmental deficits. It does not cause acute opioid withdrawal symptoms in the newborn.

C. Tolerance occurs when repeated exposure to a substance reduces its effects over time, leading to the need for higher doses to achieve the same effect. Tolerance does not explain the acute withdrawal symptoms observed in the newborn.

D. Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) occurs in newborns exposed to opioids in utero. After birth, the infant experiences withdrawal because the opioid supply is abruptly discontinued. Manifestations include irritability, high-pitched crying, tremors, feeding difficulties, vomiting, diarrhea, and sleep disturbances. Recognizing NAS is essential for prompt assessment and treatment to reduce complications.

A. Use clinical terminology to help a client better understand their diagnosis. B. Minimize contact with a client who is angry. C. Reinforce the importance of treatment to a client who speaks a language different from the nurse. D. Fulfill a promise by allowing a client to visit with family members.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Using clinical terminology to help a client better understand their diagnosis can actually create confusion or intimidation, especially if the client is not familiar with medical jargon. This does not necessarily build rapport or trust and may hinder communication.

B. Minimizing contact with a client who is angry may reduce immediate conflict but can be perceived as avoidance or rejection, which can damage rapport and trust. Avoidance does not foster a therapeutic relationship.

C. Reinforcing the importance of treatment to a client who speaks a different language without ensuring understanding may be ineffective. Effective communication requires language-appropriate tools such as interpreters or translated materials; simply reiterating treatment importance does not build trust if the client cannot comprehend.

D. Fulfilling a promise by allowing a client to visit with family members is correct. Consistency, reliability, and following through on commitments are essential for establishing trust and rapport. When clients see that the nurse keeps promises and respects their needs, it strengthens the therapeutic relationship and fosters a sense of safety and respect.

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During a postpartum visit, a client reports vivid hallucinations and delusional thinking 10 days after delivery. Based on these symptoms, which condition is the nurse likely to suspect?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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