Nokea
The nurse is providing care in PACU for a patient who just delivered a neonate via cesarean section. The patient reports tightness in her chest. Assessment findings include tachypnea, hypotension, and decreasing oxygen saturation levels. Which complication does the nurse report to the health care provider?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pulmonary embolism. The patient's symptoms of chest tightness, tachypnea, hypotension, and decreasing oxygen saturation levels are indicative of a potential pulmonary embolism, which is a serious complication post-cesarean section. A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs, causing respiratory distress and cardiovascular compromise. The nurse should report this immediately to the healthcare provider for prompt intervention to prevent further complications.
Incorrect choices:
B: Postpartum hemorrhage - Symptoms of postpartum hemorrhage include excessive bleeding, not chest tightness and respiratory distress.
C: Surgical-site infection - Symptoms of surgical-site infection include redness, swelling, and drainage at the incision site, not chest tightness and respiratory distress.
D: Developing endometritis - Symptoms of endometritis include fever, pelvic pain, and abnormal vaginal discharge, not chest tightness and respiratory distress.