The 1-day postpartum patient shows a temperature elevation, cough, and slight shortness of breath on exertion. Based on these symptoms, the nurse should:

Document expected postpartum mucous membrane congestion

Notify the charge nurse of a possible upper respiratory infection

Notify the physician of a possible pulmonary embolism

Medicate with antipyretic remedy for elevated temperature

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Notify the physician of a possible pulmonary embolism. This is because the client's symptoms suggest that she has a pulmonary embolism, which is a blockage of a blood vessel in the lungs often caused by blood clots that travel from the legs. Pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. The client may also have chest pain, coughing up blood, dizziness, or fainting.

Choice A is wrong because postpartum mucous membrane congestion does not cause fever, cough, or shortness of breath.

Choice B is wrong because an upper respiratory infection does not cause edema and redness along the saphenous vein.

Choice D is wrong because an antipyretic remedy does not treat the underlying cause of the fever and may mask the severity of the condition.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

This is because lochia rubra is the first stage of lochia, the vaginal discharge after giving birth. It comprises blood, shreds of fetal membranes, decidua, vernix caseosa, lanugo, and membranes. It is red in color because of the large amount of blood it contains. It lasts 1 to 4 days after birth.

Choice A is not correct because lochia alba is the last stage of lochia. It is whitish or yellowish-white in color and contains fewer red blood cells and more leukocytes, epithelial cells, cholesterol, fat, mucus, and microorganisms. It lasts from the second through the third to sixth weeks after delivery.

Choice B is not correct because there is no such thing as lochia normal. Lochia has three stages: lochia rubra, lochia serosa and lochia alba.

Choice C is not correct because lochia serosa is the second stage of lochia. It is brownish or pink in color and contains serous exudate, erythrocytes, leukocytes, cervical mucus, and microorganisms. It lasts for 4 to 12 days after delivery.

A. Massage the fundus B. Initiate measures that encourage voiding C. Position the patient flat D. Notify the doctor

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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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The 1-day postpartum patient shows a temperature elevation, cough, and slight shortness of breath on exertion. Based on these symptoms, the nurse should:

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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

Correct Answer is A

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:

During a postpartum assessment, a woman reports that her right calf is painful. The nurse observes edema and redness along the saphenous vein in the right lower leg. Based on this finding, the nurse explains that the probable treatment will involve:

The nurse assesses a boggy uterus with the fundus above the umbilicus and deviated to the side. The nurse should next assess:

A nurse is caring for a postpartum client who saturates a perineal pad in 10 minutes. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A nurse is collecting data from a client who delivered 2 hours ago. The client has moderate lochia rubra, temperature within normal limits, breasts soft, fundus firm, slightly deviated to the right, pulse rate 88/min, respiratory rate 18/min. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform?

When a newborn takes its first breath, what physical changes occur in the heart to increase oxygenation of the body?

Within three days of birth, a newborn has developed a yellowish tinge that extends from the face to mid-chest is lethargic, and has to be awakened to feed. Which condition does the nurse suspect this infant is manifesting?