Two days ago a woman gave birth to a full-term infant.
Last night she awakened several times to urinate and noted that her gown and bedding were wet from profuse diaphoresis.
One mechanism for the diaphoresis and diuresis that this woman is experiencing during the early postpartum period is:
Increased venous pressure in the lower extremities.
Loss of increased blood and fluid volume associated with pregnancy.
Increased basal metabolic rate after giving birth.
Elevated temperature caused by postpartum infection.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Increased venous pressure in the lower extremities is a condition often associated with pregnancy, but postpartum, this pressure typically decreases as the gravid uterus no longer compresses the vena cava. Diuresis and diaphoresis are physiological mechanisms for eliminating excess fluid, not a consequence of increased venous pressure.
Choice B rationale
During pregnancy, a woman's blood and fluid volume increases by 30-50% to support the growing fetus and placenta. Following birth, the body naturally works to eliminate this excess fluid, which is no longer needed. This is accomplished through two primary mechanisms: diuresis (increased urination) and diaphoresis (profuse sweating).
Choice C rationale
The basal metabolic rate (BMR) does not significantly increase after childbirth. In fact, it often returns to pre-pregnancy levels as the body is no longer supporting a high-demand metabolic state. Diaphoresis and diuresis are not linked to an elevated BMR but are instead part of fluid homeostasis.
Choice D rationale
While an elevated temperature can cause diaphoresis, a postpartum fever is a symptom of infection and is not a normal physiological mechanism for fluid loss. A temperature elevation caused by infection would be accompanied by other signs and symptoms, and it is not the primary mechanism for a normal postpartum fluid shift
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A personal or family history of depression and/or anxiety is a significant risk factor for developing postpartum depression. The biological and psychological factors that predispose an individual to these conditions, such as hormonal fluctuations and brain chemistry imbalances, can be exacerbated by the hormonal changes and stresses of the postpartum period. A history of these conditions indicates a pre-existing vulnerability to mood disorders.
Choice B rationale
Having a third baby is not an inherent risk factor for postpartum depression. In fact, some studies suggest that multiparous women may have a lower risk than first-time mothers, as they may have more experience and social support. However, it is the overall context, such as a history of depression, lack of social support, or a stressful life event, that contributes to the risk, not the number of children alone.
Choice C rationale
A lack of social support is a major risk factor for postpartum depression. Moving far from family, who are often a primary source of emotional and practical support, creates a sense of isolation. When combined with a husband who works long hours, the mother is left to manage the significant demands of a newborn with minimal assistance, increasing stress and feelings of loneliness, which are all key contributors to postpartum depression.
Choice D rationale
While some studies indicate that primiparous (first-time) mothers may be at a slightly higher risk of postpartum depression due to the novelty of the experience and the steep learning curve, it is not a definite risk factor in itself. The risk is more closely tied to pre-existing conditions and external stressors, such as a history of mood disorders and lack of social support. This is her first baby is a less influential factor compared to a history of anxiety/depression and a lack of social support
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While folic acid is crucial for red blood cell production, and. protein is essential for tissue repair, they are not the primary nutrients for. recovering from significant blood loss. The most urgent nutritional need after a. hemorrhage is for iron to replenish depleted hemoglobin stores and for protein to. rebuild lost plasma volume and support overall recovery. Folic acid is a. secondary component of red blood cell synthesis.
Choice B rationale
Omega-3 fatty acids and calcium are not the most critical. nutrients for a patient recovering from a postpartum hemorrhage. Omega-3s have. anti-inflammatory properties and are beneficial for general health, but they do not. directly address the issue of blood loss. Calcium is important for bone health and. muscle function but does not play a central role in replenishing blood volume.
Choice C rationale
Calcium and folic acid are important for overall health, but. they are not the primary nutrients for a patient recovering from a postpartum. hemorrhage. A patient needs to increase their iron intake to rebuild the red. blood cells and hemoglobin lost during the hemorrhage. While folic acid is a. co-factor in red blood cell synthesis, iron is the primary component.
Choice D rationale
Iron and protein are the most essential nutrients for. replenishing the body after a significant postpartum hemorrhage. Iron is a. critical component of hemoglobin, and its increased intake is necessary to. rebuild red blood cells and combat anemia. Protein is vital for synthesizing. new plasma proteins and for tissue repair, which are essential for a complete. recovery
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