Saunders ch30 Postpartum Complications

A client in a postpartum unit complains of sudden sharp chest pain and dyspnea. The nurse notes that the client is tachycardic and the respiratory rate is elevated. The nurse suspects a pulmonary embolism. Which should be the initial nursing action? 1. Initiate an intravenous line. 2. Assess the client's blood pressure. 3. Prepare to administer morphine sulfate. 4. Administer oxygen, 8 to 10 L/minute, by face mask.

4. Administer oxygen, 8 to 10 L/minute, by face mask.

The nurse is monitoring a postpartum client who received epidural anesthesia for delivery for the presence of a vulvar hematoma. Which assessment finding would best indicate the presence of a hematoma? 1. Changes in vital signs 2. Signs of heavy bruising 3. Complaints of intense pain 4. Complaints of a tearing sensation

1. Changes in vital signs

A postpartum client is diagnosed with cystitis. The nurse should plan for which priority action in the care of the client? 1. Providing sitz baths 2. Encouraging fluid intake 3. Placing ice on the perineum 4. Monitoring hemoglobin and hematocrit levels

2. Encouraging fluid intake

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. Notify the health care provider (HCP).

The nurse is creating 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. Encourage ambulation hourly. 2. Assess vital signs every 4 hours. 3. Measure fundal height every 4 hours. 4. Prepare an ice pack for application to the area.

4. Prepare an ice pack for application to the area.

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 (38 °C) 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. An increase in the pulse rate from 88 to 102 beats/minute

The nurse is preparing to care for four assigned clients. Which client is at most risk for hemorrhage? 1. A primiparous client who delivered 4 hours ago 2. A multiparous client who delivered 6 hours ago 3. A multiparous client who delivered a large baby after oxytocin induction 4. A primiparous client who delivered 6 hours ago and had epidural anesthesia

3. A multiparous client who delivered a large baby after oxytocin induction

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 should 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. Enlarged, hardened veins

On assessment of a postpartum client, the nurse notes that the uterus feels soft and boggy. The nurse should take which initial action? 1. Document the findings. 2. Elevate the client's legs. 3. Massage the fundus until it is firm. 4. Push on the uterus to assist in expressing clots.

3. Massage the fundus until it is firm.

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 breastfeeding." 4. "I should wash my nipples daily with soap and water."

4. "I should wash my nipples daily with soap and water."

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/day. 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. Wear a supportive bra. 2. Rest during the acute phase. 3. Maintain a fluid intake of at least 3000 mL/day. 4. Continue to breast-feed if the breasts are not too sore.