POSTPARTUM
4.Retained placental fragments from delivery 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 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
3.Maternal overexertion 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.
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
2."Mastitis can occur at any time during breast-feeding." -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.
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."
4.An adolescent experiencing an emergency cesarean delivery for fetal distress Endometritis is an acute infection of the uterine mucous lining immediately after delivery and is still a leading cause of mortality for childbearing women in the United States. Cesarean delivery is the primary risk factor for uterine infection, especially after emergency procedures. Other risk factors include prolonged rupture of membranes, multiple vaginal examinations, and an excessive length of labor. The other options do not describe the client most at risk to develop endometritis following delivery.
A nurse has just received an intershift report. After reviewing the client assignment and the appropriate medical records, the nurse determines that which client is most at risk for developing postdelivery endometritis? 1.A primigravida with a normal spontaneous vaginal delivery 2.A gravida II who delivered vaginally following an 18-hour labor 3.A client experiencing an elective cesarean delivery at 38 weeks' gestation 4.An adolescent experiencing an emergency cesarean delivery for fetal distress
1.Massaging the uterus 3.Assisting the woman to urinate 5.Checking for a distended bladder 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.
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
2.Hemorrhage 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.
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.An increased pulse rate of 88 to 102 beats/min During the fourth stage of labor, the maternal blood pressure, pulse, and respiration should be checked every 15 minutes during the first hour. A rising pulse is an early sign of excessive blood loss, because the heart pumps faster to compensate for reduced blood volume. The blood pressure will fall as the blood volume diminishes, but a decreased blood pressure would not be the earliest sign of hemorrhage.
A nurse is monitoring a new mother in the fourth stage of labor for signs of hemorrhage. Which indicates an early sign of excessive blood loss? 1.A temperature of 100.4º F 2.An increased pulse rate of 88 to 102 beats/min 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/min
1.Wear a supportive bra between feedings. 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. 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 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.
4.Hematuria, ecchymosis, and epistaxis The treatment for deep vein thrombosis is anticoagulant therapy. The nurse assesses for bleeding, which is an adverse effect of anticoagulants. This includes hematuria, ecchymosis, and epistaxis. Dysuria and vertigo are not associated specifically with bleeding
A postpartum client with deep vein thrombosis is being treated with anticoagulant therapy. The nurse understands that the client's response to treatment will be evaluated by regularly assessing the client for which symptoms? 1.Dysuria, ecchymosis, and vertigo 2.Epistaxis, hematuria, and dysuria 3.Hematuria, ecchymosis, and vertigo 4.Hematuria, ecchymosis, and epistaxis
4.Every 15 minutes during the first hour and then every 30 minutes for the next 2 hours During the immediate postpartum period, the nurse takes vital signs every 15 minutes in the first hour after birth, every 30 minutes for the next 2 hours, and every hour for the next 2 to 6 hours. The nurse monitors vital signs thereafter every 4 hours for 24 hours and every 8 to 12 hours for the remainder of the hospital stay.
A postpartum unit nurse is preparing to care for a client who has just delivered a healthy newborn. In the immediate postpartum period what is the recommended frequency for the nurse to assess the client's vital signs? 1.Every hour for the first 2 hours and then every 4 hours 2.Every 30 minutes during the first hour and then every hour for the next 2 hours 3.Every 5 minutes for the first 30 minutes and then every hour for the next 4 hours 4.Every 15 minutes during the first hour and then every 30 minutes for the next 2 hours
3.Breast-feed from the left breast and gently pump the right breast. n 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.
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.
2.Pregnancy needs to be avoided for 1 to 3 months. 3.The vaccine is administered by the subcutaneous route. 4.Exposure to immunosuppressed individuals needs to be avoided. 5.A hypersensitivity reaction can occur if the client has an allergy to eggs.
A rubella titer result of a 1-day postpartum client is less than 1:8, and a rubella virus vaccine is prescribed to be administered before discharge. The nurse provides which information to the client about the vaccine? Select all that apply. 1.Breast-feeding needs to be stopped for 3 months. 2.Pregnancy needs to be avoided for 1 to 3 months. 3.The vaccine is administered by the subcutaneous route. 4.Exposure to immunosuppressed individuals needs to be avoided. 5.A hypersensitivity reaction can occur if the client has an allergy to eggs. 6.The area of the injection needs to be covered with a sterile gauze for 1 week.
1."What can I do for you?" -When a loss or death occurs, the nurse should ensure that parents have been honestly told about the situation by their health care provider or others on the health care team. It is important for the nurse to be with the parents at this time and to use therapeutic communication techniques. The nurse must also consider cultural and religious practices and beliefs. The correct option provides a supportive, giving, and caring response. Options 2, 3, and 4 are blocks to communication and devalue the parents' feelings.
A stillborn baby was delivered in the birthing suite a few hours ago. After the delivery, the family remained together, holding and touching the baby. Which statement by the nurse would further assist the family in their initial period of grief? 1."What can I do for you?" 2."Now you have an angel in heaven." 3."Don't worry, there is nothing you could have done to prevent this from happening." 4."We will see to it that you have an early discharge so that you don't have to be reminded of this experience."
2.Support the mother in her reaction to the newborn infant. 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.
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.
4."The only medications I will take are prenatal vitamins and stool softeners." -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 postoperative client will need an antibiotic because she is at increased risk for infection as a result of the break in skin integrity and collection of blood at the hematoma site. Stating that she will need only prenatal vitamins and stool softeners indicates that she requires further teaching. All other options indicate that the mother understands the home care measures after surgical evacuation and repair of a paravaginal hematoma.
After surgical evacuation and repair of a paravaginal hematoma, a client is discharged 3 days postpartum. The nurse determines that the client needs further discharge instructions when the client makes which statement? 1."I will probably need my mother to help me with housekeeping." 2."Because I am so sore, I will nurse the baby while lying on my side." 3."My husband and I will not have intercourse until the stitches are healed." 4."The only medications I will take are prenatal vitamins and stool softeners."
3.Gently message the uterine fundus. 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
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.
1.Urinate frequently throughout the day. 2.Wipe the perineal area from front to back after urinating. 3.Fluid intake should be increased to at least 3000 mL/day. 4.Prescribed medication must be taken until it is completed. A client with a urinary tract infection should be instructed to drink at least 3000 mL of fluid each day to flush the infection from the bladder and urinate frequently throughout the day. The client is also taught to wipe the perineal area from front to back after urinating or having a bowel movement. A woman with a urinary tract infection must be encouraged to take the medication for the entire time it is prescribed. Foods and fluids that acidify the urine need to be encouraged.
On the second postpartum day, a client complains of burning, urgency, and frequency of urination. A urinalysis is obtained, and the results indicate the presence of a urinary tract infection. Which measures should the nurse instruct the client to take regarding the prevention and treatment of the infection? Select all that apply. 1.Urinate frequently throughout the day. 2.Wipe the perineal area from front to back after urinating. 3.Fluid intake should be increased to at least 3000 mL/day. 4.Prescribed medication must be taken until it is completed. 5.Foods and fluids that will increase urine alkalinity should be consumed.
4.The mother washes and dries her hands before and after self-care of the perineum and asks for a pair of gloves before feeding. Hepatitis B virus is highly contagious and is transmitted by direct contact with blood and body fluids of infected persons. The rationale for identifying childbearing clients with this disease is to provide adequate protection of the fetus and the newborn, to minimize transmission to other individuals, and to reduce maternal complications. The correct option provides the best evaluation of maternal understanding of disease transmission. Option 1 will not affect disease transmission. Options 2 and 3 are appropriate feeding techniques for bottle-feeding, but do not minimize disease transmission for hepatitis B.
The nurse evaluates the ability of a hepatitis B-positive mother to provide safe bottle-feeding to her newborn during postpartum hospitalization. Which maternal action best exemplifies the mother's knowledge of potential disease transmission to the newborn? 1.The mother requests that the window be closed before feeding. 2.The mother holds the newborn properly during feeding and burping. 3.The mother tests the temperature of the formula before initiating feeding. 4.The mother washes and dries her hands before and after self-care of the perineum and asks for a pair of gloves before feeding.
1."I should apply my antiembolism stockings after breakfast." The nurse should instruct the client to apply antiembolism stockings before the client rises in the morning to prevent the venous congestion that will begin as soon as the mother gets up. Circulation can be improved with a regular schedule of activity, preferably walking, and the mother should be instructed to avoid prolonged standing or sitting in one position and avoid placing pillows under the knees because of the risk venous stasis in the lower extremities. The mother also should be encouraged to maintain a fluid intake of at least 2500 mL/day to prevent dehydration and consequent sluggish circulation.
The nurse has provided instructions for a postpartum client at risk for thrombosis regarding measures to prevent its occurrence. Which statement, if made by the client, indicates a need for further education? 1."I should apply my antiembolism stockings after breakfast." 2."I should avoid prolonged standing or sitting in one position." 3."I should perform regularly scheduled exercise such as walking." 4."I should avoid using pillows under my knees to prevent pressure in the back of my knee area."
4.The mother requests that the nurse feed the newborn because she is feeling fatigued. The nurse should be alert to maladaptive interaction in the maternal-infant bonding processes. If the nurse notes that the mother is avoiding interaction with the newborn or is avoiding caring for the newborn, the nurse should suspect the potential for a maladaptive interaction. Talking to the newborn or willingness to perform cord care does not indicate a maladaptive response. Expressing discomfort with the new role of motherhood is a normal, expected process, and it is important for the mother to verbalize concerns.
The nurse in the postpartum unit is observing the mother-infant bonding process in a client. Which observation, if made by the nurse, indicates the potential for a maladaptive interaction? 1.The mother is observed talking to the newborn. 2.The mother performs cord care for the newborn. 3.The mother verbalizes discomfort with the new role of motherhood. 4.The mother requests that the nurse feed the newborn because she is feeling fatigued.
1.Massage the uterus until firm. 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 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.
3.Instruct the client to request help when getting out of bed. 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 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.
2.Elevation of the affected extremity 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 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
3.The saturation of more than one peripad per hour Saturation of more than one peripad per hour is considered excessive even in the early postpartum period. In the first 24 hours after birth, the uterus will feel like a firmly contracted ball, roughly the size of a large grapefruit. One easily can locate the uterus at the level of the umbilicus. Lochia should be dark red and moderate in amount.
The nurse is monitoring a postpartum client in the fourth stage of labor. Which finding, if noted by the nurse, would indicate a complication related to a laceration of the birth canal? 1.Presence of dark red lochia 2.Palpation of the uterus as a firm contracted ball 3.The saturation of more than one peripad per hour 4.Palpation of the fundus at the level of the umbilicus
3.Heavy Lochia is the discharge from the uterus in the postpartum period; it consists of blood from the vessels of the placental site and debris from the decidua. The following can be used as a guide to determine the amount of flow: scant = less than 2.5 cm (<1 inch) on menstrual pad in 1 hour; light = less than 10 cm (<4 inches) on menstrual pad in 1 hour; moderate = less than 15 cm (<6 inches) on menstrual pad in 1 hour; heavy = saturated menstrual pad in 1 hour; and excessive = menstrual pad saturated in 15 minutes.
The nurse is monitoring the amount of lochia drainage in a client who is 2 hours postpartum and notes that the client has saturated a perineal pad in 1 hour. How should the nurse document this finding? 1.Scant 2.Light 3.Heavy 4.Excessive
1.Client pain level 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 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.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. 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.
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.
3.500 If the client is breast-feeding, her calorie needs increase by approximately 500 cal/day. The client should also be instructed regarding the need for increased fluids and the need for prenatal vitamins and iron supplements.
The nurse is providing nutritional counseling to a new mother who is breast-feeding her newborn. The nurse should instruct the client that her calorie needs should increase by approximately how many calories a day? 1.100 2.300 3.500 4.1000
2.A 26-year-old woman with a family history of thrombophlebitis Certain factors create a risk for the development of thromboembolic disorders. These include smoking, varicose veins, obesity, a history of thrombophlebitis, women older than 35 years or who have had more than three pregnancies, and women who have had a cesarean birth. From the options presented, a 26-year-old woman with a family history of thrombophlebitis is least likely to develop thromboembolic disorders in the postpartum period.
The nurse who is employed in a prenatal clinic is performing prenatal assessments on clients who are in their first trimester of pregnancy. The nurse is concerned with identifying clients who may be at risk for the development of postpartum complications. Which client would be at the lowest risk for development of postpartum thromboembolic disorders? 1.A 39-year-old woman who reports that she smokes 2.A 26-year-old woman with a family history of thrombophlebitis 3.A 37-year-old woman in her fourth pregnancy who is overweight 4.A 22-year-old woman with a first pregnancy who states that oral contraceptives taken in the past have caused thrombophlebitis
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." 6."I plan on having bottled water available in the refrigerator so I can get additional fluids easily." 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 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."
4.Leaving the infant with the client so that she will be required to provide the care 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.
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.Assess for hypovolemia and notify the health care provider (HCP). -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 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."The client is self-focused and talks to others about labor." Rubin has identified three phases of regeneration during the postpartum period. The taking-in phase occurs in the first 3 days postpartum, and the taking-hold phase occurs between days 3 to 10. During the taking-in phase, the new mother is attempting to integrate her labor and birth experience. She tends to need sleep and feels fatigued, talks about labor, and is self-focused and dependent. In the taking-hold phase, the client is more active, independent, initiates activities, and partakes in mothering tasks. In the letting-go phase, the mother may grieve over the separation of the baby from part of her body.
The nursing instructor is reviewing the plan of care with a student regarding care of a postpartum client. The instructor asks the nursing student about the taking-in phase according to Rubin's phases of regeneration and the client behaviors that are most likely to occur during this phase. Which response made by the student indicates an understanding of this phase? 1."The client would be independent." 2."The client initiates activities on her own." 3."The client participates in mothering tasks." 4."The client is self-focused and talks to others about labor."
2.Retained placental fragments from delivery 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 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
1.3 days postpartum 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 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
4.Increase hydration by encouraging oral fluids. 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 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."If I notice any pain, redness, or swelling in my breasts, I should contact the health care provider." 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 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? "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."
2."You should not become pregnant for 2 to 3 months after administration of the vaccine." -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 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."
3.Notify the health care provider. 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.
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.
2.Massage distended areas as the infant nurses. 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.
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.Ask the client to urinate and empty her bladder. 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.
he 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.
