What is the primary rationale for monitoring a new mother every 15 minutes for the first hour after delivery?
To check for postpartum hemorrhage
To determine if the mother's milk is coming in
To monitor the mother's blood pressure to note any elevations
To answer questions the new parents may have
The Correct Answer is A
To check for postpartum hemorrhage.
This is because postpartum hemorrhage is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication that can occur within 24 hours of birth or later. It is defined as a blood loss of more than 500 mL in a vaginal delivery or more than 1000 mL in a cesarean delivery. The most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage is uterine atony, which is the failure of the uterus to contract after delivery. Other causes include lacerations, retained placental fragments, coagulation disorders, and uterine rupture. Monitoring the vital signs, especially blood pressure, and pulse, can help detect signs of hypovolemia due to blood loss. Other signs include pale skin, cold and clammy extremities, delayed capillary refill, decreased urine output, and altered mental status.
Choice B is not correct because determining if the mother's milk is coming in is not the primary rationale for monitoring a new mother every 15 minutes for the first hour after delivery. Milk production usually begins around 48 to 72 hours after delivery and is influenced by hormonal changes, breastfeeding frequency, and maternal health. Although breastfeeding support is important for postpartum care, it is not a priority over checking for postpartum hemorrhage.
Choice C is not correct because monitoring the mother's blood pressure to note any elevations is not the primary rationale for monitoring a new mother every 15 minutes for the first hour after delivery. Elevated blood pressure can indicate gestational hypertension or preeclampsia, which are serious conditions that can affect postpartum women. However, these conditions are more likely to cause symptoms such as headache, blurred vision, epigastric pain, and proteinuria⁴.
Moreover, blood pressure may not be a sensitive indicator of blood loss and may remain normal until a significant amount of blood is lost¹.
Choice D is not correct because answering questions the new parents may have is not the primary rationale for monitoring a new mother every 15 minutes for the first hour after delivery. Although providing education and support to the new parents is an essential part of postpartum care, it is not a priority over checking for postpartum hemorrhage. The new parents may have questions about infant care, feeding, contraception, recovery, and other topics that can be addressed during the postpartum period.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Ineffective airway clearance related to mucus and water secretions. This is because newborns who are born via cesarean delivery are at risk for respiratory distress due to the lack of compression of the chest during birth. This can result in retained mucus and fluid in the lungs that can interfere with breathing and oxygenation. The nurse should prioritize clearing the airway and monitoring the respiratory status of the newborn.
Choice A is wrong because ineffective thermoregulation related to heat loss to the environment is not specific to cesarean delivery. All newborns are prone to heat loss due to their large surface area and thin skin. The nurse should maintain a warm and dry environment for the newborn and prevent exposure to cold surfaces.
Choice B is wrong because altered nutrition less than the body requirement related to limited formula intake is not specific to cesarean delivery. All newborns need adequate nutrition to support their growth and development. The nurse should monitor the intake and output of the newborn and assist with feeding as needed.
Choice C is wrong because altered urinary elimination related to post- circumcision status is not specific to cesarean delivery. Circumcision is an elective procedure that may or may not be performed on male newborns. The nurse should provide wound care and pain relief for the circumcised newborn and observe for signs of infection or bleeding.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Asymmetrical chest movement is a sign of respiratory distress in the newborn, as it indicates unequal lung expansion or airway obstruction. A respiratory rate of 50 breaths/minute (choice B) is normal for a newborn, as is acrocyanosis (choice C), which is a bluish discoloration of the hands and feet due to immature peripheral circulation. Short periods of apnea (less than 15 seconds) (choice D) are also common and benign in newborns unless they are associated with bradycardia or cyanosis.
Choice B is not correct because a respiratory rate of 50 breaths/minute is within the normal range for a newborn.
Choice C is not correct because acrocyanosis is a normal finding in newborns and does not indicate respiratory distress.
Choice D is not correct because short periods of apnea (less than 15 seconds) are normal in newborns and do not indicate respiratory distress.
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