What physical assessment data should the nurse consider a normal finding for a primigravida client who is 12 hours postpartum?
Unilateral lower leg pain.
Soft, spongy fundus.
Pulse rate of 56 beats/minute.
Saturating two perineal pads per hour.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Unilateral lower leg pain is not a normal finding postpartum and could indicate a deep vein thrombosis, which requires immediate medical attention.
Choice B rationale
A soft, spongy fundus is not a normal finding postpartum. The uterus should be firm to prevent excessive bleeding.
Choice C rationale
A pulse rate of 56 beats/minute can be a normal finding postpartum. Pregnancy increases blood volume and cardiac output, and these changes can persist for some time after delivery.
Choice D rationale
Saturating two perineal pads per hour is not a normal finding postpartum and could indicate excessive bleeding.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While nausea and vomiting can occur in the postpartum period, they are not the highest priority for a client with a history of rheumatic fever and heart damage. These symptoms are usually self-limiting and can be managed with antiemetics.
Choice B rationale
Fluid volume excess is the highest priority for a client with a history of rheumatic fever and heart damage. Rheumatic heart disease can result in impaired heart function, making it difficult for the heart to handle increased fluid volumes that occur during pregnancy and the postpartum period. This can lead to heart failure.
Choice C rationale
While sleep deprivation can occur in the postpartum period, it is not the highest priority for a client with a history of rheumatic fever and heart damage. Adequate rest is important for recovery, but it does not directly address the client’s risk of heart failure.
Choice D rationale
While infection is a concern in the postpartum period, it is not the highest priority for a client with a history of rheumatic fever and heart damage. While infection can exacerbate heart failure, the immediate concern is managing the client’s fluid volume to prevent heart failure.
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.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.