OB exam 2 (julia's)
A nurse is caring for a client who has just delivered a newborn following a pregnancy with a placenta previa. When reviewing the plan of care, the nurse should prepare to monitor the client for which risk that is associated with placenta previa? 1. Infection 2. Hemorrhage 3. Chronic hypertension 4. Disseminated intravascular coagulation
2 Because the placenta is implanted in the lower uterine segment, which does not contain the same intertwining musculature as the fundus of the uterus, this site is more prone to bleeding. The other options are not risks that are specifically related to placenta previa.
The nurse is planning care for a postpartum client who had a vaginal delivery 2 hours ago. The client had a midline episiotomy and has several hemorrhoids. What is the priority nursing consideration for this client? 1. Client pain level 2. Inadequate urinary output 3. Client perception of body changes 4. Potential for imbalanced body fluid volume
1 The priority nursing consideration for a client who delivered 2 hours ago and who has a midline episiotomy and hemorrhoids is client pain level. Most clients have some degree of discomfort during the immediate postpartum period. There are no data in the question that indicate inadequate urinary output, the presence of client perception of body changes, and potential for imbalanced body fluid volume.
The nurse is assessing a client in the postpartum period and suspects the presence of uterine atony. Which is the initial nursing action? 1. Massage the uterus until firm. 2. Take the client's blood pressure. 3. Contact the health care provider (HCP). 4. Assess the amount of drainage on the peripad.
1 When uterine atony occurs, the initial nursing action would be to massage the uterus until it is firm. If this does not assist in controlling blood loss, then the nurse would contact the HCP. Additionally, once bleeding is under control, the nurse would monitor the vital signs and estimate the amount of blood loss.
The nurse is preparing a list of self-care instructions for a postpartum client who was diagnosed with mastitis. Which instructions should be included on the list? Select all that apply. 1. Wear a supportive bra. 2. Rest during the acute phase. 3. Maintain a fluid intake of at least 3000 mL. 4. Continue to breast-feed if the breasts are not too sore. 5. Take the prescribed antibiotics until the soreness subsides. 6. Avoid decompression of the breasts by breast-feeding or breast pump.
1, 2, 3, 4 Mastitis is an infection of the lactating breast. Client instructions include resting during the acute phase, maintaining a fluid intake of at least 3000 mL/day (if not contraindicated), and taking analgesics to relieve discomfort. Antibiotics may be prescribed and are taken until the complete prescribed course is finished. They are not stopped when the soreness subsides. Additional supportive measures include the use of moist heat or ice packs and wearing a supportive bra. Continued decompression of the breast by breast-feeding or breast pump is important to empty the breast and prevent the formation of an abscess.
A nurse visits a client at home who delivered a healthy newborn 2 days ago. The client is complaining of breast discomfort. The nurse notes that the client is experiencing breast engorgement. Which instructions should the nurse provide to the client regarding relief of the engorgement? Select all that apply. 1. Wear a supportive bra between feedings. 2. Avoid breast-feeding during the time of breast engorgement. 3. Feed the infant at least every 2 hours for 15 to 20 minutes on each side. 4. Apply moist heat to both breasts for about 20 minutes before a feeding. 5. Massage the breasts gently during a feeding, from the outer areas to the nipples.
1, 3, 4, 5 During breast engorgement, the client should be advised to feed the infant frequently, at least every 2 hours, for 15 to 20 minutes on each side. The infant will have an easier time latching on if the client softens her breast and expresses her milk before a feeding. Instruct the client to apply moist heat to both breasts for about 20 minutes before a feeding. This can be done in the shower or with warm wet towels. During a feeding, it is helpful to massage the breast gently from the outer area to the nipple. This helps stimulate the let-down and flow of milk. The client should also be instructed to wear a supportive bra between feedings.
A nurse is assessing the fundus in a postpartum woman and notes that the uterus is soft and spongy and is not firmly contracted. The nurse should prepare to implement which interventions? Select all that apply. 1. Massaging the uterus 2. Pushing gently on the uterus 3. Assisting the woman to urinate 4. Rechecking the uterus in 1 hour 5. Checking for a distended bladder 6. Calling the delivery room to schedule an abdominal hysterectomy
1, 3, 5 If the uterus is soft and spongy and is not firmly contracted, the initial nursing action is to massage the fundus gently until it is firm; this will express clots that may have accumulated in the uterus. If the uterus does not remain contracted as a result of massage, the problem may be a distended bladder, which lifts and displaces the uterus and prevents effective contraction of the uterine muscles. The nurse would then check for a distended bladder and assist the woman to urinate. Pushing on an uncontracted uterus could invert the uterus, potentially causing massive hemorrhage and rapid shock. Waiting for 1 hour without intervention could result in bleeding. The health care provider will need to be notified if uterine massage is not helpful. Pharmacological measures may be necessary to maintain firm contraction of the uterus. An abdominal hysterectomy may need to be performed for massive hemorrhage that is uncontrollable. The question presents no data indicating that hemorrhage is a problem. Additionally, the nurse would not schedule an operative procedure.
The nurse is preparing to perform a fundal assessment on a postpartum client. The nurse understands that which is the initial nursing action when performing this assessment? 1. Ask the client to turn on her side. 2. Ask the client to urinate and empty her bladder. 3. Massage the fundus gently before determining the level of the fundus. 4. Ask the client to lie flat on her back, with her knees and legs flat and straight.
2 Before fundal assessment is started, the nurse should ask the mother to empty her bladder so that an accurate assessment can be done. The nurse can then assess the bladder for complete emptying and accurately assess uterine involution. When performing fundal assessment, the woman is asked to lie flat on her back, with the knees flexed. Massaging the fundus is not appropriate unless the fundus is boggy or soft, and then it should be massaged gently until firm.
The nurse is monitoring a client in the immediate postpartum period for signs of hemorrhage. Which sign, if noted, would be an early sign of excessive blood loss? 1. A temperature of 100.4° F 2. An increase in the pulse rate from 88 to 102 beats/minute 3. A blood pressure change from 130/88 to 124/80 mm Hg 4. An increase in the respiratory rate from 18 to 22 breaths/minute
2 During the fourth stage of labor, the maternal blood pressure, pulse, and respiration should be checked every 15 minutes during the first hour. An increasing pulse is an early sign of excessive blood loss because the heart pumps faster to compensate for reduced blood volume. A slight increase in temperature is normal. The blood pressure decreases as the blood volume diminishes, but a decreased blood pressure would not be the earliest sign of hemorrhage. The respiratory rate is slightly increased from normal.
A nurse is checking lochia discharge in a woman in the immediate postpartum period. The nurse notes that the lochia is bright red and contains some small clots. Based on this data, the nurse should make which interpretation? 1. The client is hemorrhaging. 2. The client needs to increase oral fluids. 3. The client is experiencing normal lochia discharge. 4. The client's health care provider needs to be notified of the finding.
3 Lochia, the uterine discharge present after birth, initially is bright red and may contain small clots. During the first 2 hours after birth, the amount of uterine discharge should be approximately that of a heavy menstrual period. After that time, the lochial flow should steadily decrease, and the color of the discharge should change to a pinkish red or reddish brown. Because this is a normal, expected occurrence, options 1, 2, and 4 are incorrect.
When performing a postpartum assessment on a client, a nurse notes the presence of clots in the lochia. The nurse examines the clots and notes that they are larger than 1 cm. Which nursing action is most appropriate? 1. Document the findings. 2. Reassess the client in 2 hours. 3. Notify the health care provider. 4. Encourage increased oral intake of fluids.
3 Normally, a few small clots may be noted in the lochia in the first 1 to 2 days after birth from pooling of blood in the vagina. Clots larger than 1 cm are considered abnormal. The cause of these clots, such as uterine atony or retained placental fragments, needs to be determined and treated to prevent further blood loss. Although the findings would be documented, the appropriate action is to notify the HCP. Reassessing the client in 2 hours would delay necessary treatment. Increasing oral intake of fluids would not be a helpful action in this situation.
The nurse is assessing a client who is 6 hours postpartum after delivering a full-term healthy newborn. The client complains to the nurse of feelings of faintness and dizziness. Which nursing action would be most appropriate? 1. Raise the head of the client's bed. 2. Obtain hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. 3. Instruct the client to request help when getting out of bed. 4. Inform the nursery room nurse to avoid bringing the newborn to the client until the mother's symptoms have subsided.
3 Orthostatic hypotension may be evident during the first 8 hours after birth. Feelings of faintness or dizziness are signs that caution the nurse to focus interventions on the client's safety. The nurse should advise the client to get help the first few times she gets out of bed. Option 1 is not a helpful action in this situation and would not relieve the symptoms. Option 2 requires a health care provider's prescription. Option 4 is unnecessary.
The nurse is developing a plan of care for a client recovering from a cesarean delivery. Which action should the nurse encourage the client to do to prevent thrombophlebitis? 1. Elevate her legs. 2. Remain on bed rest. 3. Ambulate frequently. 4. Apply warm, moist packs to the legs.
3 Stasis is believed to be a predisposing factor in the development of thrombophlebitis. Because cesarean delivery is also a risk factor for thrombophlebitis, new mothers should ambulate early and frequently to promote circulation and prevent stasis. The other options may be interventions for the client diagnosed with thrombophlebitis. Additionally, bed rest promotes stasis.
A client with known cardiac disease has been admitted to the postpartum care unit after an uneventful delivery. The unit nurse instructs the client to use the call button for assistance whenever she needs to get out of bed or wishes to care for her infant. Which postpartum complication is the nurse most concerned about for this client? 1. Postpartum infection 2. Maternal attachment 3. Maternal overexertion 4. Postpartum newborn-mother bonding
3 The immediate postpartum period is associated with increased risks for the cardiac client. Hormonal changes and fluid shifts from extravascular tissues to the circulatory system cause additional stress on cardiac functioning. Although options 1, 2, and 4 are appropriate nursing concerns during the postpartum period, the primary concern for the cardiac client is to maintain a safe environment because of the potential for cardiac compromise.
The nurse is teaching a new mother how to care for her newborn. The nurse notes that the client is very fearful and reluctant to handle the newborn and notes that this is the client's first child. Which nursing intervention is least appropriate in assisting the promotion of mother-infant interaction and bonding? 1. Accepting the client's feelings 2. Acknowledging the client's apprehension 3. Assisting the client with giving the baths to allow her to become more at ease 4. Leaving the infant with the client so that she will be required to provide the care
4 A client with no experience of handling infants may be fearful and reluctant to handle her newborn or to take on physical care on her own. Leaving the infant with the mother so that she will be required to provide the care will produce additional apprehension. Acceptance of her feelings and acknowledgment of the apprehension can help an unsure mother begin to participate in caring for her newborn. Assistance will help the client become more at ease.
A new mother received epidural anesthesia during labor and had a forceps delivery after pushing for 2 hours. At 6 hours postpartum her systolic blood pressure has dropped 20 points, her diastolic blood pressure has dropped 10 points, and her pulse is 120 beats/min. The client is anxious and restless. On further assessment, a vulvar hematoma is verified. After notifying the health care provider, what is the nurse's next action? 1. Reassure the client. 2. Monitor fundal height. 3. Apply perineal pressure. 4. Prepare the client for surgery.
4 A hematoma is a localized collection of blood into the tissues of the reproductive sac after delivery. A vulvar hematoma is the most common type . The use of an epidural, prolonged second-stage labor, and forceps delivery are predisposing factors for hematoma formation, and a collection of up to 500 mL of blood can occur in the vaginal area. Although the other options may be implemented, the immediate action is to prepare the client for surgery to stop the bleeding.
The postpartum unit nurse has provided discharge instructions to a client planning to breast-feed her normal, healthy infant. Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of the instructions? 1. "If I experience any sweating during the night, I should call the health care provider." 2. "If I have uterine cramping while breast-feeding, I should contact the health care provider." 3. "If I'm still having bloody vaginal drainage in a week, I should contact the health care provider." 4. "If I notice any pain, redness, or swelling in my breasts, I should contact the health care provider."
4 Signs of infection include pain, redness, heat, and swelling of a localized area of the breast. If these symptoms occur, the client needs to contact the HCP. Options 1, 2, and 3 are normal changes that occur in the postpartum period.
The nurse performs an assessment on a client who is 4 hours postpartum. The nurse notes that the client has cool, clammy skin and is restless and excessively thirsty. What immediate action should the nurse take? 1. Provide oral fluids and begin fundal massage. 2. Begin hourly pad counts and reassure the client. 3. Elevate the head of the bed and assess vital signs. 4. Assess for hypovolemia and notify the health care provider (HCP).
4 Symptoms of hypovolemia include cool, clammy, pale skin, sensations of anxiety or impending doom, restlessness, and thirst. When these symptoms are present, the nurse should further assess for hypovolemia and notify the HCP. Providing oral fluids and beginning fundal massage and beginning hourly pad counts and reassuring the client will delay necessary treatment. Also, the question gives no indication of the cause of the hypovolemia or that the client is hemorrhaging and that fundal massage is needed. The head of the bed is not elevated in a hypovolemic condition.
The nurse is preparing to care for four assigned clients. Which client is at highest risk for hemorrhage? 1. A primiparous client who delivered 4 hours ago 2. A multiparous client who delivered 6 hours ago 3. A primiparous client who delivered 6 hours ago and had epidural anesthesia 4. A multiparous client who delivered a large baby after oxytocin (Pitocin) induction
4 The causes of postpartum hemorrhage include uterine atony; laceration of the vagina; hematoma development in the cervix, perineum, or labia; and retained placental fragments. Predisposing factors for hemorrhage include a previous history of postpartum hemorrhage, placenta previa, abruptio placentae, overdistention of the uterus from polyhydramnios, multiple gestation, a large neonate, infection, multiparity, dystocia or labor that is prolonged, operative delivery such as a cesarean or forceps delivery, and intrauterine manipulation. The multiparous client who delivered a large fetus after oxytocin induction has more risk factors associated with postpartum hemorrhage than the other clients. In addition, there are no specific data in the client descriptions in options 1, 2, and 3 that present the risk for hemorrhage.
Which instructions should a nurse provide to a client following delivery regarding care of the episiotomy site to prevent infection? Select all that apply. 1. Report a foul-smelling discharge. 2. Take a warm sitz baths three times a day. 3. Change the perineum pads three times a day. 4. Use warm water to rinse the perineum after elimination. 5. Wipe the perineum from front to back after voiding and defecation.
1, 2, 4, 5 Warm sitz baths and cleansing with warm water are helpful for relieving pain, and these measures will promote cleanliness in the perineal area to prevent infection. The client should also be instructed to wipe the perineum from front to back after voiding and defecation to decrease the risk for contamination with microorganisms from the anus to the vagina. Warm water should be used to rinse the perineum after elimination. The client also should be instructed that the perineal pad should be changed after each elimination and may be changed in between.
The postpartum client asks the nurse about the occurrence of afterpains. The nurse informs the client that afterpains will be especially noticeable during which activity? 1. Ambulating 2. Breast-feeding 3. Taking sitz baths 4. Arriving home and activities are increased
2 Afterpains are a normal occurrence and result from contractions of the uterus as it reduces in size during involution. Afterpains may be especially noticeable during breast-feeding because oxytocin is released in response to the infant's sucking. The other options are incorrect.
A nurse provides a list of discharge instructions to a client who has delivered a healthy newborn by cesarean delivery. Which statement by the client indicates the need for further teaching? 1. "I can begin abdominal exercises immediately." 2. "I need to notify the health care provider if I develop a fever." 3. "I can't lift anything heavier than my newborn for at least 2 weeks." 4. "I need to turn on my side and push up with my arms to get out of bed."
1 Abdominal exercises should not start immediately following abdominal surgery until 3 to 4 weeks postoperatively to allow for healing of the incision. The other options are appropriate instructions for the client following a cesarean delivery.
The postpartum nurse is providing instructions to a client after delivery of a healthy newborn. Which time frame should the nurse relay to the client regarding the return of bowel function? 1. 3 days postpartum 2. 7 days postpartum 3. On the day of delivery 4. Within 2 weeks postpartum
1 After birth, the nurse should auscultate the client's abdomen in all four quadrants to determine the return of bowel sounds. Normal bowel elimination usually returns 2 to 3 days postpartum. Surgery, anesthesia, and the use of opioids and pain control agents also contribute to the longer period of altered bowel functions. Options 2, 3, and 4 are incorrect.
The nurse is monitoring a postpartum client who is at risk of developing postpartum endometritis. Which finding, if noted during the first 24 hours after delivery, would support a diagnosis of postpartum endometritis? 1. Abdominal tenderness and chills 2. Increased perspiration and appetite 3. Maternal oral temperature of 100.2° F 4. Uterus two fingerbreadths below midline and firm
1 Signs and symptoms in the postpartum period heralding endometritis include delayed uterine involution, foul-smelling lochia, tachycardia, abdominal tenderness, and temperature elevations up to 104° F. This intrauterine infection may lead to further maternal complications, such as infections of the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and blood (sepsis). Options 2, 3, and 4 represent normal maternal physiological responses in the immediate postpartum period.
The nurse is teaching a postpartum client about breast-feeding. Which instruction should the nurse include? 1. The diet should include additional fluids. 2. Prenatal vitamins should be discontinued. 3. Soap should be used to cleanse the breasts. 4. Birth control measures are unnecessary while breast-feeding.
1 The diet for a breast-feeding client should include additional fluids. Prenatal vitamins should be taken as prescribed, and soap should not be used on the breasts because it tends to remove natural oils, which increases the chance of cracked nipples. Breast-feeding is not a method of contraceptio
A nurse is preparing to assess the uterine fundus of a client in the immediate postpartum period. After locating the fundus, the nurse notes that the uterus feels soft and boggy. Which nursing intervention would be most appropriate? 1. Elevate the client's legs. 2. Massage the fundus until it is firm. 3. Ask the client to turn on her left side. 4. Push on the uterus to assist in expressing clots.
2 If the uterus is not contracted firmly, the initial intervention is to massage the fundus until it is firm and to express clots that may have accumulated in the uterus. Pushing on an uncontracted uterus can invert the uterus and cause massive hemorrhage. Elevating the client's legs and positioning the client on the side would not assist in managing uterine atony.
The nurse in the postpartum unit is caring for a client who has just delivered a newborn infant following a pregnancy with a placenta previa. The nurse reviews the plan of care and prepares to monitor the client for which risk associated with placenta previa? 1. Infection 2. Hemorrhage 3. Chronic hypertension 4. Disseminated intravascular coagulation
2 In placenta previa, the placenta is implanted in the lower uterine segment. The lower uterine segment does not contain the same intertwining musculature as the fundus of the uterus, and this site is more prone to bleeding. Options 1, 3, and 4 are not risks that are related specifically to placenta previa.
When planning care for a postpartum client that plans to breast-feed her infant, which important piece of information should the nurse include in the teaching plan to prevent the development of mastitis? 1. Offer only one breast at each feeding. 2. Massage distended areas as the infant nurses. 3. Cleanse nipples with a mild antibacterial soap before and after infant feedings. 4. Express and discard milk from the affected breast at the first signs of mastitis.
2 Massaging the distended areas as the infant nurses will encourage complete emptying of the breast and prevent milk stasis. Each breast should be offered at each feeding to prevent milk stasis and ensure adequate milk supply. Soap should not be used on the nipples because of the risk of drying or cracking. If early signs of mastitis occur, the client usually will be instructed to nurse the infant more frequently, because infant sucking is thought to empty the breast more completely.
The nurse is providing instructions to a client who has been diagnosed with mastitis. Which statement, if made by the client, indicates a need for further instructions? 1. "I need to wear a supportive bra to relieve the discomfort." 2. "I need to stop breast-feeding until this condition resolves." 3. "I can use analgesics to assist in alleviating some of the discomfort." 4. "I need to take antibiotics, and I should begin to feel better in 24 to 48 hours."
2 Mastitis is an infection of the lactating breasts and occurs most often during the second and third weeks after birth, although it may develop at any time during breast-feeding. In most cases, the mother can continue to breast-feed with both breasts. If the affected breast is too sore, the mother can pump the breast gently. Regular emptying of the breast is important to prevent abscess formation. Antibiotic therapy assists in resolving the mastitis within 24 to 48 hours. Additional supportive measures include ice packs, breast supports, and analgesics.
A new mother is seen in a health care clinic 2 weeks after giving birth to a healthy newborn infant. The mother is complaining that she feels as though she has the flu and complains of fatigue and aching muscles. On further assessment the nurse notes a localized area of redness on the left breast, and the mother is diagnosed with mastitis. The mother asks the nurse about the condition. The nurse should make which response? 1. "Mastitis usually involves both breasts." 2. "Mastitis can occur at any time during breast-feeding." 3. "Mastitis usually is caused by wearing a supportive bra." 4. "Mastitis is most common for women who have breast-fed in the past."
2 Mastitis is an infection of the lactating breasts and occurs most often during the second and third weeks after birth, although it may develop at any time during breast-feeding. Mastitis is more common in mothers nursing for the first time and usually affects one breast. A supportive bra will not cause mastitis; however, constriction of the breasts from a bra that is too tight may interfere with the emptying of all the ducts and may lead to infection.
After a precipitous delivery, the nurse notes that the new mother is passive and only touches her newborn infant briefly with her fingertips. What should the nurse do to help the woman process the delivery? 1. Encourage the mother to breast-feed soon after birth. 2. Support the mother in her reaction to the newborn infant. 3. Tell the mother that it is important to hold the newborn infant. 4. Document a complete account of the mother's reaction on the birth record.
2 Precipitous labor is labor that lasts 3 hours or less. Women who have experienced precipitous labor often describe feelings of disbelief that their labor progressed so rapidly. To assist the client to process what has happened, the best option is to support the client in her reaction to the newborn infant. Options 1, 3, and 4 do not acknowledge the client's feelings.
The postpartum nurse is caring for a woman who just delivered a healthy newborn. The nurse should be most concerned with the presence of subinvolution if which occurs? 1. The presence of afterpains 2. Retained placental fragments from delivery 3. An oral temperature of 99.0° F following delivery 4. Increased estrogen and progesterone levels as noted on laboratory analysis
2 Retained placental fragments and infection are the primary causes of subinvolution. When either of these processes is present, the uterus will have difficulty contracting. An oral temperature of 99.0° F after delivery and the presence of afterpains are expected findings following delivery. Option 4 is not a cause of subinvolution and is unrelated to the subject of the question.
The rubella vaccine has been prescribed for a new mother. Which statement should the postpartum nurse make when providing information about the vaccine to the client? 1. "You should avoid sexual intercourse for 2 weeks after administration of the vaccine." 2. "You should not become pregnant for 2 to 3 months after administration of the vaccine." 3. "You should avoid heat and extreme temperature changes for 1 week after administration of the vaccine." 4. "You must sign an informed consent because anaphylactic reactions can occur with the administration of this vaccine."
2 Rubella vaccine is a live attenuated virus that provides immunity for approximately 15 years. Because rubella is a live vaccine, it will act as a virus and is potentially harmful to the organogenesis phase of fetal development. Informed consent for rubella and varicella vaccination in the postpartum period includes information about possible side effects and the risk of teratogenic effects. The client should be informed about the potential effects of this vaccine and the need to avoid becoming pregnant for 2 to 3 months (or as indicated by the health care provider) after administration of the vaccine. Abstinence from sexual intercourse is unnecessary. Heat or extreme changes in temperature have no effect on the person who has been vaccinated. The vaccine is not known to cause anaphylactic reactions.
The nurse is developing a plan of care for a postpartum client who was diagnosed with superficial venous thrombosis. The nurse anticipates that which intervention will be prescribed? 1. Administration of anticoagulants 2. Elevation of the affected extremity 3. Ambulation eight to ten times daily 4. Application of ice packs to the affected area
2 Thrombosis that is limited to the superficial veins of the saphenous system is treated with analgesics, rest, and elastic support stockings. Elevation of the affected lower extremity to improve venous return also may be recommended. Warm packs may be prescribed to be applied to the affected area to promote healing. There is usually no need for anticoagulants or anti-inflammatory agents unless the condition persists. Bed rest or limited activity may be prescribed depending on health care provider preference.
The nurse is assessing a client in the fourth stage of labor and notes that the fundus is firm, but that bleeding is excessive. Which should be the initial nursing action? 1. Record the findings. 2. Massage the fundus. 3. Notify the health care provider (HCP). 4. Place the client in Trendelenburg's position.
3 If bleeding is excessive, the cause may be laceration of the cervix or birth canal. Massaging the fundus if it is firm would not assist in controlling the bleeding. Trendelenburg's position should be avoided because it may interfere with cardiac and respiratory function. Although the nurse would record the findings, the initial nursing action would be to notify the HCP.
A postpartum woman with mastitis in the right breast complains that the breast is too sore for her to breast-feed her infant. The nurse should tell the client to implement which measure? 1. Pump both breasts and discard the milk. 2. Bottle-feed the infant on a temporary basis. 3. Breast-feed from the left breast and gently pump the right breast. 4. Stop breast-feeding from both breasts until this condition resolves.
3 In most cases, the mother can continue to breast-feed with both breasts. If the affected breast is too sore, the mother can pump the breast gently. Regular emptying of the breast is important to prevent abscess formation. If an abscess forms and ruptures into the ducts of the breast, breast-feeding will need to be discontinued and a pump should be used to empty the breast (but the milk should be discarded). Options 1, 2, and 4 are incorrect.
On assessment of a client who is 30 minutes into the fourth stage of labor, the nurse finds the client's perineal pad saturated in blood and blood soaked into the bed linen under the client's buttocks. Which is the nurse's initial action? 1. Call the health care provider. 2. Assess the client's vital signs. 3. Gently message the uterine fundus. 4. Administer a 300-mL bolus of a 20 units/L oxytocin (Pitocin) solution.
3 The most frequent cause of excessive bleeding after childbirth is uterine atony. A major intervention to restore adequate tone is stimulation of the uterine muscle via gently massaging the uterine fundus. Options 1, 2, and 4 may be necessary but they are not initial actions. The initial action is to alleviate the problem. Additionally a health care provider's prescription is needed to administer a medication.
The postpartum nurse is assessing a client who delivered a healthy infant by cesarean section for signs and symptoms of superficial venous thrombosis. Which sign would the nurse note if superficial venous thrombosis were present? 1. Paleness of the calf area 2. Coolness of the calf area 3. Enlarged, hardened veins 4. Palpable dorsalis pedis pulses
3 Thrombosis of superficial veins usually is accompanied by signs and symptoms of inflammation, including swelling, redness, tenderness, and warmth of the involved extremity. It also may be possible to palpate the enlarged, hard vein. Clients sometimes experience pain when they walk. Palpable dorsalis pedis pulses is a normal finding.
The nurse is assigned to care for a client who has chosen to formula-feed her infant. The nurse should plan to provide which instruction to the client? 1. Apply a heating pad to breasts for comfort. 2. Wear a breast shield to correct nipple inversion. 3. Wear a supportive brassiere continuously for 72 hours. 4. Use the manual breast pump provided to express milk.
3 Wearing a supportive brassiere continuously for 72 hours postpartum will minimize breast engorgement. Any stimulation of the breasts (expression of milk, infant sucking) or increase in circulation (heating pad) will increase milk production or cause the blood vessels and lymphatics to engorge. Correction of nipple inversion will not be necessary if the mother chooses not to breast-feed her infant.
The nurse is caring for four 1-day postpartum clients. Which client would require further nursing action? 1. The client with mild afterpains 2. The client with a pulse rate of 60 beats/minute 3. The client with colostrum discharge from both breasts 4. The client with lochia that is red and has a foul-smelling odor
4 Lochia, the discharge present after birth, is red for the first 1 to 3 days and gradually decreases in amount. Normal lochia has a fleshy odor or an odor similar to menstrual flow. Foul-smelling or purulent lochia usually indicates infection, and these findings are not normal. The other options are normal findings for a 1-day postpartum client.
The nurse is providing instructions about measures to prevent postpartum mastitis to a client who is breast-feeding her newborn. Which client statement would indicate a need for further instruction? 1. "I should breast-feed every 2 to 3 hours." 2. "I should change the breast pads frequently." 3. "I should wash my hands well before breast-feeding." 4. "I should wash my nipples daily with soap and water."
4 Mastitis is inflammation of the breast as a result of infection. It generally is caused by an organism that enters through an injured area of the nipples, such as a crack or blister. Measures to prevent the development of mastitis include changing nursing pads when they are wet and avoiding continuous pressure on the breasts. Soap is drying and could lead to cracking of the nipples, and the client should be instructed to avoid using soap on the nipples. The mother is taught about the importance of hand-washing and that she should breast-feed every 2 to 3 hours.
The nurse caring for a client with a diagnosis of subinvolution should understand that which is a primary cause of this diagnosis? 1. Afterpains 2. Increased estrogen levels 3. Increased progesterone levels 4. Retained placental fragments from delivery
4 Retained placental fragments and infections are the primary causes of subinvolution. When either of these processes is present, the uterus has difficulty contracting. The presence of afterpains is an expected finding following delivery. Options 2 and 3 are not causes of subinvolution.
The postpartum nurse is taking the vital signs of a client who delivered a healthy newborn 4 hours ago. The nurse notes that the client's temperature is 100.2° F. What is the priority nursing action? 1. Document the findings. 2. Retake the temperature in 15 minutes. 3. Notify the health care provider (HCP). 4. Increase hydration by encouraging oral fluids.
4 The client's temperature should be taken every 4 hours while she is awake. Temperatures up to 100.4° F (38° C) in the first 24 hours after birth often are related to the dehydrating effects of labor. The appropriate action is to increase hydration by encouraging oral fluids, which should bring the temperature to a normal reading. Although the nurse also would document the findings, the appropriate action would be to increase hydration. Taking the temperature in another 15 minutes is an unnecessary action. Contacting the HCP is not necessary.
The postpartum unit nurse has provided information regarding performing a sitz bath to a new mother after a vaginal delivery. The client demonstrates understanding of the purpose of the sitz bath by stating that the sitz bath will promote which action? 1. Numb the tissue. 2. Stimulate a bowel movement. 3. Reduce the edema and swelling. 4. Assist in healing and provide comfort.
4 Warm, moist heat is used after the first 24 hours after tissue trauma from a vaginal birth to provide comfort and promote healing and reduce the incidence of infection. This warm, moist heat is provided via a sitz bath. Ice is used in the first 24 hours to reduce edema and numb the tissue. Promoting a bowel movement is best achieved by ambulation.
The nurse has provided discharge instructions to a client who delivered a healthy newborn by cesarean delivery. Which statement made by the client indicates a need for further instruction? 1. "I will begin abdominal exercises immediately." 2. "I will notify the health care provider if I develop a fever." 3. "I will turn on my side and push up with my arms to get out of bed." 4. "I will lift nothing heavier than my newborn baby for at least 2 weeks."
1 A cesarean delivery requires an incision made through the abdominal wall and into the uterus. Abdominal exercises should not start immediately after abdominal surgery; the client should wait at least 3 to 4 weeks postoperatively to allow for healing of the incision. Options 2, 3, and 4 are appropriate instructions for the client after a cesarean delivery.
The nurse is providing postpartum instructions to a client who will be breast-feeding her newborn. The nurse determines that the client has understood the instructions if she makes which statements? Select all that apply. 1. "I should wear a bra that provides support." 2. "Drinking alcohol can affect my milk supply." 3. "The use of caffeine can decrease my milk supply." 4. "I will start my estrogen birth control pills again as soon as I get home." 5. "I know if my breasts get engorged I will limit my breast-feeding and supplement the baby." 6. "I plan on having bottled water available in the refrigerator so I can get additional fluids easily."
1, 2, 3, 6 The postpartum client should wear a bra that is well-fitted and supportive. Breasts may leak between feedings or during coitus, and the client is taught to place a breast pad in the bra. Breast-feeding clients should increase their daily fluid intake; having bottled water available indicates that the postpartum client understands the importance of increasing fluids. If engorgement occurs, the client should not limit breast-feeding, but should breast-feed frequently. Oral contraceptives containing estrogen are not recommended for breast-feeding mothers. Common causes of decreased milk supply include formula use; inadequate rest or diet; smoking by the mother or others in the home; and use of caffeine, alcohol, or other medications.
The nurse is developing a plan of care for a postpartum client with a small vulvar hematoma. The nurse should include which specific action during the first 12 hours after delivery? 1. Assess vital signs every 4 hours. 2. Measure fundal height every 4 hours. 3. Prepare an ice pack for application to the area. 4. Inform the health care provider of assessment findings.
3 A hematoma is a localized collection of blood into the tissues of the reproductive sac after delivery. Vulvar hematoma is the most common. Application of ice reduces swelling caused by hematoma formation in the vulvar area. Options 1, 2, and 4 are not interventions that are specific to the plan of care for a client with a small vulvar hematoma.
