One day after vaginal delivery of a full-term baby, a postpartum client’s white blood cell count is 15,000/mm (15 x 109/L). What action should the nurse take first?

Assess the client’s perineal area for signs of a perineal hematoma.

Assess the client’s temperature, pulse, and respirations every 4 hours.

Notify the healthcare provider, since this finding is indicative of infection.

Check the differential, since the WBC is normal for this client.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A rationale

While a perineal hematoma can lead to increased WBC count, there is no indication of such a complication, making this assessment less immediate.

Choice B rationale

Assessing vital signs is an important part of routine postpartum care. Still, a white blood cell count of 15,000/mm is within a normal range for a woman within the first 24-48 hours after delivery and is not necessarily indicative of infection.

Choice C rationale

While an elevated WBC can indicate infection, a postpartum woman's white blood cell count can be normally elevated up to 20,000/mm due to the stress of labor and delivery. Checking a differential will provide a more accurate breakdown of different types of white blood cells for a more precise assessment.

Choice D rationale

A normal WBC in a postpartum client ranges from (12,000- 20, 000/mm. Checking the white blood cell differential helps determine the specific types of WBCs present and gives more information as to whether the elevation is the body's normal response to childbirth or a sign of infection.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale

While hard, painful uterine afterpains can be uncomfortable for the patient, they are a normal part of the postpartum period and are not typically a priority complication following a severe postpartum hemorrhage16.

Choice B rationale

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a serious condition that can occur as a complication of severe postpartum hemorrhage. It involves an overactive clotting process leading to the formation of small blood clots that can block blood vessels and cause significant organ damage16.

Choice C rationale

Postpartum psychosis is a serious mental health disorder that can occur after childbirth. However, it is not directly related to postpartum hemorrhage and would not typically be the priority complication in this scenario16.

Choice D rationale

Placenta accreta is a condition where the placenta grows too deeply into the uterine wall. While it can cause severe bleeding after delivery, it would not typically be a priority complication to assess for following a severe postpartum hemorrhage16.

A. Notify the healthcare provider of the assessment findings. B. Obtain a STAT hemoglobin and hematocrit. C. Determine if the client received anesthesia during delivery. D. Assign a practical nurse (PN) to reassess the client’s vital signs.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale

While notifying the healthcare provider of the assessment findings is important, it would not be the first action to take. The nurse should first gather more information about the client’s condition.

Choice B rationale

Obtaining a STAT hemoglobin and hematocrit would not be the first action to take. These tests could provide information about the client’s blood volume and potential for anemia, but they would not directly address the client’s complaint of a severe headache.

Choice C rationale

Determining if the client received anesthesia during delivery is the correct first action. A severe headache in the postpartum period can be a sign of a post-dural puncture headache, which can occur as a complication of spinal or epidural anesthesia.

Choice D rationale

Assigning a practical nurse (PN) to reassess the client’s vital signs would not be the first action to take. While ongoing monitoring of the client’s vital signs is important, the nurse should first investigate the potential cause of the client’s severe headache.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

One day after vaginal delivery of a full-term baby, a postpartum client’s white blood cell count is 15,000/mm (15 x 109/L). What action should the nurse take first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A 25-year-old client experienced a severe postpartum hemorrhage following the vaginal birth of twins and is now transferred to the postpartum unit.What complication should the nurse prioritize during the client’s assessment?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is assessing a client who has been admitted in active labor. The cervix is dilated to 3 cm, 50% effaced, and the presenting part is at 0 station. An hour later, the client informs the nurse that she needs to use the restroom. What should be the nurse’s first course of action?

During a routine prenatal health assessment for a client in her third trimester, the client reports that she had fluid leakage on her way to the appointment.Which technique should the nurse implement to evaluate the leakage?

The nurse is caring for a postpartum client who is experiencing severe pain and a sensation of pressure in her perineum.Her uterus is firm, and she has a moderate flow of lochia.Upon inspection, the nurse discovers that a perineal hematoma is starting to form. What should the nurse assess first?

The nurse is about to administer phytonadione to a newborn.Which statement by the parents shows they understand why this medication is being given?

A multiparous client at 36-hours postpartum reports increased bleeding and cramping. On examination, the nurse finds the uterine fundus 2 cm above the umbilicus.What action should the nurse take first?

After breastfeeding for 10 minutes on each breast, a new mother calls the nurse to the postpartum room to assist with changing the newborn’s diaper. As the mother begins the diaper change, the newborn regurgitates the breast milk. What should be the nurse’s first action?

During a newborn assessment, which symptom, if present, would indicate respiratory distress?

An 18-week pregnant client was informed this morning that she has an elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level. After the healthcare provider leaves the room, the client asks about the next steps.What should the nurse advise?