The nurse is providing postpartum care to a patient 24 hours after a vaginal delivery. Which action does the nurse perform prior to assessing the patient’s uterus?
Place the patient on the left side.
Assess the passage of lochia.
Ask the patient to void.
Administer a dose of oxytocin
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is choice C. Ask the patient to void. This is because a full bladder can displace the uterus and interfere with its contraction, which can lead to postpartum hemorrhage The nurse should assess the patient’s uterus after ensuring that the bladder is empty.
Choice A is wrong because placing the patient on the left side does not affect the uterus assessment. It may help with blood circulation and oxygenation, but it is not necessary before checking the uterus.
Choice B is wrong because assessing the passage of lochia is part of the uterus assessment, not a prerequisite. Lochia is the vaginal discharge after giving birth, containing blood, mucus, and uterine tissue It has three stages: lochia rubra (red), lochia serosa (pinkish brown), and lochia alba (yellowish white)
Choice D is wrong because administering a dose of oxytocin is not required before assessing the uterus.
Oxytocin is a hormone that stimulates uterine contractions and reduces bleeding. It may be given during or after labor to prevent or treat postpartum hemorrhage, but it is not a routine procedure.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is C. Spraying warm water over the perineum after each voiding or bowel movement.This action would help prevent infection of the perineal area by keeping it clean and reducing the risk of bacterial contamination.
A is wrong because ice packs can only help reduce swelling and pain, but not prevent infection.
B is wrong because changing the pad from back to front can introduce bacteria from the rectum to the vagina and perineum, increasing the risk of infection. The correct way is to change the pad from front to back.
D is wrong because an inflatable ring or pillow can increase blood flow to the perineal area and delay healing, which can increase the risk of infection.
A firm surface is better for sitting after delivery.
Some other preventive measures for postpartum infections include washing hands before touching the perineal area, using only maxi pads and not tampons for postpartum bleeding, taking preventive antibiotics if prescribed, and contacting a doctor if symptoms of infection appear.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D. Postpartum adaptation.
This is the process of adjusting to the physical, emotional, and social changes that occur after childbirth.The woman in the question shows signs of positive mood, confidence, and adequate support, which are indicators of successful postpartum adaptation.
Choice A is wrong because postpartum blues are characterized by mild depressive symptoms, such as mood swings, crying spells, irritability, and anxiety, that usually occur within the first few days after delivery and resolve within two weeks.
Choice B is wrong because postpartum depression is a more severe and persistent form of depression that affects 10-15% of women after childbirth.
It can cause symptoms such as sadness, hopelessness, guilt, loss of interest, insomnia, appetite changes, and suicidal thoughts.It usually requires treatment with psychotherapy and/or medication.
Choice C is wrong because postpartum psychosis is a rare but serious psychiatric emergency that affects 1-2 in every 1000 women after childbirth.
It can cause symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, confusion, agitation, and attempts to harm oneself or the baby.It usually requires hospitalization and treatment with mood stabilizers and antipsychotics.
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