During the postpartal admission assessment, the nurse notes that a patient’s perineum appears edematous and ecchymotic.
Based on this finding, which action should the nurse take?

Observe the patient for vaginal discharge of bright red blood.

Assess the patient’s vaginal tone.

Massage the patient’s perineum.

Apply petrolatum to the patient’s perineum.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

The correct answer is choice D. Apply petrolatum to the patient’s perineum. This is because petrolatum can help soothe and protect the perineal area, which may be swollen, bruised, or have stitches after a vaginal delivery. Applying petrolatum can also prevent the pad from sticking to the wound and causing more pain.

Choice A is wrong because observing the patient for vaginal discharge of bright red blood is not a specific action for perineal care. Bright red blood may indicate postpartum hemorrhage, which requires immediate medical attention.

Choice B is wrong because assessing the patient’s vaginal tone is not a priority action for perineal care. Vaginal tone may be reduced after childbirth due to stretching of the pelvic floor muscles, but this can improve with time and exercises.

Choice C is wrong because massaging the patient’s perineum is not recommended for perineal care. Massaging the perineum may cause more trauma and discomfort to the area, especially if there are stitches or hemorrhoids. Massaging the fundus (the top of the uterus) may be done to help it contract and prevent bleeding, but this is different from massaging the perineum.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The correct answer is choice B. The patient’s uterine contraction pattern is enhanced.Prostaglandin E2 gel is used to induce labor by ripening and dilating the cervix and stimulating uterine contractions.The effectiveness of the gel can be measured by the frequency, duration and intensity of the contractions.

A stronger and more regular contraction pattern indicates that the gel is working and labor is progressing.

Choice A is wrong because cervical dilation is not the only indicator of labor induction.Cervical dilation can occur without contractions or with weak and irregular contractions, which means that labor is not established yet.

Choice C is wrong because cervical softening (or effacement) is a prerequisite for cervical dilation, but it does not necessarily mean that labor has started.Cervical softening can occur weeks before labor or even during pregnancy.

Choice D is wrong because uterine softening (or relaxation) is the opposite of what prostaglandin E2 gel is supposed to do.Uterine softening reduces the contractility and tone of the uterus, which can lead to prolonged labor or fetal distress.

A. Maintain the newborn in a reverse Trendelenburg position. B. Encourage family members to gently stroke the newborn’s face and head. C. Swaddle the newborn in a flexed position. D. Provide the newborn with visual stimulation.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The correct answer is choice C. Swaddle the newborn in a flexed position.This helps to reduce the symptoms of neonatal abstinence syndrome, which is what happens when babies are exposed to drugs in the womb before birth and go through drug withdrawal after birth.Swaddling can provide comfort, warmth, and security to the newborn and decrease their stress response.

Choice A is wrong because maintaining the newborn in a reverse Trendelenburg position does not help with drug withdrawal symptoms and may increase the risk of aspiration or reflux.

Choice B is wrong because gently stroking the newborn’s face and head may overstimulate the newborn and worsen their irritability and tremors.

Choice D is wrong because providing the newborn with visual stimulation may also overstimulate the newborn and increase their discomfort and agitation.

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During the postpartal admission assessment, the nurse notes that a patient’s perineum appears edematous and ecchymotic. Based on this finding, which action should the nurse take?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The physician prescribes prostaglandin (PGE2) gel for a patient being admitted for induction of labor. Which finding would best indicate that the prostaglandin gel is effective?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The newborn of a patient suspected to have used drugs during the prenatal period is admitted to the nursery.The nurse caring for the newborn notes that the infant is beginning to exhibit signs of drug withdrawal.Which action should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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During the postpartal admission assessment, the nurse notes that a patient’s perineum appears edematous and ecchymotic.
Based on this finding, which action should the nurse take?