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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C. Urine testing is the best indication of whether my blood sugar is under control. This is wrong because urine testing only reflects the blood sugar level at the time of urination, not the current level.
It also does not detect low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), which can be dangerous for the mother and the baby.
The best way to monitor blood sugar levels during pregnancy is to use a glucometer, which measures the blood glucose level from a drop of blood.
Choice A is correct because insulin requirements usually increase during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and increased insulin resistance.
The patient may need to adjust her insulin dose according to her blood glucose levels and dietary intake.
Choice B is correct because the patient needs to eat a balanced diet that provides adequate calories and nutrients for herself and the baby.
She may need to consult a dietitian to plan her meals and snacks according to her blood glucose levels and insulin regimen.
Choice D is correct because regular exercise can help lower blood glucose levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and prevent excessive weight gain during pregnancy.
The patient should consult her healthcare provider before starting or changing her exercise routine.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
At 37 weeks, especially in gestational diabetes, fetal lungs may still be immature. Amniocentesis checks lung maturity to ensure the baby can breathe effectively if early delivery is needed due to fetal compromise.
Choice B reason:
Fetal renal function is not typically assessed through amniocentesis at term. Kidney function is monitored via ultrasound, not by analyzing amniotic fluid at 37 weeks.
Choice C reason:
Amniotic fluid glucose levels are not used to manage gestational diabetes. Maternal blood glucose is the standard for monitoring and treatment.
Choice D reason:
Congenital anomalies are usually detected earlier in pregnancy. By 37 weeks, the focus of amniocentesis is on delivery planning, not anomaly detection.
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