Your patient is 12 hours postpartum. You ask her in your assessment when the last time she urinated was. She tells you it has been 4 hours. You advise her that she needs to urinate every 2 hours even if she does not feel the urge to go You know this is good advice because of which of the following? (Select All that Apply)
The urethra, bladder and urinary meatus is edematous
She has decreased sensitivity to fluid pressures after a vaginal birth
At 12 hours postpartum she will begin diuresing
There is no cause for concern as long as the patient urinates once shift
A full bladder can lead to postpartum hemorrhage
Correct Answer : A,B,C,E
A) The urethra, bladder, and urinary meatus are edematous:
Postpartum women often experience edema in the urethra, bladder, and urinary meatus due to the pressure exerted during delivery. This swelling can make it difficult for the woman to feel the urge to urinate, even when her bladder is full. Encouraging her to urinate every 2 hours helps prevent overdistension of the bladder, which can lead to urinary retention and other complications.
B) She has decreased sensitivity to fluid pressures after a vaginal birth:
After childbirth, especially a vaginal birth, the pelvic floor and surrounding tissues can be numb or less sensitive due to trauma, swelling, and the effects of anesthesia. This decreased sensitivity makes it harder for the woman to sense when she needs to urinate. Encouraging regular voiding even without the urge helps to prevent urinary retention, which is common in the immediate postpartum period.
C) At 12 hours postpartum, she will begin diuresing:
Diuresis, the process of excreting excess fluid retained during pregnancy, typically begins within 12 hours postpartum. This increased urine output can make it even more important for the mother to void regularly to prevent urinary retention. If the bladder is not emptied regularly, it can lead to discomfort and increase the risk of complications like bladder distention or infection.
D) There is no cause for concern as long as the patient urinates once per shift:
This is not true. A postpartum woman should void more frequently than once per shift (which is about every 8 hours). Urinating only once every shift can lead to urinary retention, bladder overdistension, and possible infection. The recommendation to urinate every 2 hours helps ensure proper bladder emptying and reduces the risk of complications.
E) A full bladder can lead to postpartum hemorrhage:
A full bladder can indeed contribute to postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). An overdistended bladder can displace the uterus, preventing it from contracting effectively after delivery. This can increase the risk of excessive bleeding. Regular voiding helps prevent bladder distention and supports uterine contraction, thereby reducing the risk of hemorrhage.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Rubra, serosa, alba:
The normal progression of lochia, the vaginal discharge after childbirth, follows a predictable sequence of stages. Lochia rubra is the initial stage, occurring within the first few days postpartum. It is bright red and consists primarily of blood, tissue, and debris from the placenta. After 3-4 days, the discharge changes to lochia serosa, which is pinkish-brown and contains a mixture of blood, serous fluid, and mucous. After 10-14 days, it progresses to lochia alba, which is white or pale yellow and consists mostly of leukocytes (white blood cells), mucus, and epithelial cells. This is the expected progression, which marks the natural healing process after childbirth.
B) Rubra, alba, serosa:
This order is incorrect because lochia serosa comes before lochia alba in the normal sequence. Lochia alba occurs after lochia serosa, not before. This progression would not accurately reflect the typical stages of lochia.
C) Serosa, alba, rubra:
This sequence is incorrect as lochia rubra is the first stage, not lochia serosa. The initial discharge following childbirth is always red and blood-tinged, which is lochia rubra. Serosa and alba come later in the progression, so this order does not follow the correct timeline.
D) Alba, rubra, serosa:
This order is completely incorrect. Lochia rubra (red blood discharge) is the first stage, not lochia alba (white discharge). After childbirth, rubra occurs first, followed by serosa, and then finally alba. This sequence does not reflect the normal postpartum discharge process.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Axillary temp of 96.9F (36.0 C) after 30 minutes of skin-to-skin contact with the mother:
A temperature of 96.9°F (36.0°C) is lower than the expected normal range for a newborn, which is typically between 97.7°F (36.5°C) and 99.5°F (37.5°C). However, after 30 minutes of skin-to-skin contact with the mother, the temperature is likely to increase as the infant benefits from the warmth of the mother's body. If the temperature does not rise or if it continues to decrease, further intervention would be necessary.
B) Respiratory rate of 58 during assessment at beginning of shift:
Newborns may have slightly irregular and rapid breathing patterns, especially right after birth, but this is not a cause for concern unless accompanied by signs of respiratory distress, such as retractions, flaring, or grunting.
C) Heart rate of 162 while crying vigorously after a diaper change:
It is not uncommon for a newborn to have an elevated heart rate when upset or crying. A heart rate of 162 while crying is expected and does not indicate a problem. Once the baby calms down, the heart rate will likely return to its baseline.
D) No void after 8 hours of life:
The absence of a urine output within the first 8 hours of life is concerning and requires immediate follow-up. Newborns typically void within the first 24 hours, and if there is no urine output by 8 hours, it could indicate a potential problem such as dehydration, urinary tract obstruction, or renal dysfunction. A healthcare provider should be notified promptly for further assessment and intervention.
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