Following delivery, the nurse's assessment reveals a soft, boggy uterus located above the level of the umbilicus. The appropriate intervention is:

Massage the fundus

Initiate measures that encourage voiding

Position the patient flat

Notify the doctor

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Massage the fundus. This is because massaging the fundus (the upper part of the uterus) can help the uterus contract and prevent excessive bleeding after delivery. A soft, boggy uterus indicates uterine atony, which is a failure of the uterus to contract sufficiently after childbirth.

Uterine atony is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly¹².

Choice B is not correct because initiating measures that encourage voiding is not the appropriate intervention for a soft, boggy uterus. A full bladder can interfere with uterine contractions and cause bleeding, so it is important to empty the bladder after delivery. However, this should be done after massaging the fundus.

Choice C is not correct because positioning the patient flat is not the appropriate intervention for a soft, boggy uterus. Positioning the patient flat can increase blood loss and reduce venous return. The patient should be positioned with the head slightly elevated and the legs flexed to improve blood circulation and prevent shock³.

Choice D is not correct because notifying the doctor is not the first intervention for a soft, boggy uterus. Notifying the doctor is important if bleeding persists or worsens despite massaging the fundus. The doctor may order medications or other treatments to stop the bleeding and prevent complications¹.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Hemorrhage. This is because postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is severe bleeding and loss of blood after childbirth that can lead to death. The most common cause of PPH is the uterus not contracting properly after delivery. The nurse needs to monitor the client’s pulse and blood pressure frequently to detect signs of shock and blood loss.

Choice A is wrong because thromboembolism is a blood clot that blocks a blood vessel, not a complication of bleeding.

Choice B is wrong because cervical laceration is a tear in the cervix that can cause bleeding, but it is not a common cause of PPH.

Choice C is wrong because hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus or rectum that can cause bleeding, but they are not a common cause of PPH.

A. Increase the rate of IV fluids. B. Assist the client to ambulate. C. Perform fundal massage. D. Check for blood under the client's buttock.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Check for blood under the client's buttock. This is because lochia rubra is the normal vaginal discharge that occurs after childbirth, consisting of blood, mucus, and tissue from the placenta and the uterus lining. It is usually heavy for the first three to four days and can pool under the client's buttocks if they are lying down. Checking for blood under the buttock can help assess the amount of bleeding and prevent complications such as infection or hemorrhage.

The other choices are not correct for the following reasons:

A. Increasing the rate of the IV fluids is not necessary because the client's fundus is firm and midline, indicating that the uterus is contracting well and preventing excessive bleeding.

B. Assisting the client to ambulate is not advisable because it can increase the lochia flow and cause fainting or dizziness due to blood loss.

C. Performing fundal massage is not indicated because the fundus is already firm and midline, meaning that the uterus is adequately contracted. Massaging a firm fundus can cause pain and discomfort to the client.

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Following delivery, the nurse's assessment reveals a soft, boggy uterus located above the level of the umbilicus. The appropriate intervention is:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

When planning the care for a client during the first 24 hours postpartum, the nurse expects to monitor the client's pulse and blood pressure frequently based on the understanding that the client is at risk for which condition?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is 4 hr postpartum. The nurse finds a small amount of lochia rubra on the client's perineal pad. The fundus is midline and firm at the umbilicus. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Five days after a spontaneous vaginal delivery, a woman comes to the emergency room because she has a fever and persistent cramping. The nurse recognizes that the cause of these signs and symptoms may be:

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Parents express concern about the milia on the face and nose of their baby. The nurse's most helpful response would be to instruct the parents to:

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The nurse is caring for a new mother and newborn in a rooming-in unit and watches the mother put the infant in the bed, lying on her side, propped up with a pillow. The nurse should point out that this position can increase the risk of which situation?

To protect newborns from infection while in the nursery, the nurse plans to:

A nurse is caring for several newborn clients. For which of the following findings should the nurse notify the charge nurse?

The nurse assesses a postpartum woman's perineum and notices that her lochial discharge is moderate in amount and red. The nurse would record this as what type of lochia?