A client is admitted to the postpartum unit and tells the nurse she had rheumatic fever as a child, which resulted in some 'heart damage'. The nurse knows that this client is at particular risk for developing heart failure during the immediate postpartum period. Based on the client's history, which nursing problem has the highest priority?
- A. Nausea and vomiting.
- B. Risk for infection.
- C. Sleep deprivation.
- D. Fluid volume excess.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Fluid volume excess is a priority concern in this client, as heart damage from rheumatic fever can impair the heart's ability to manage increased blood volume postpartum, leading to potential heart failure. Monitoring and managing fluid volume status are crucial to prevent complications in this high-risk client.
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Insulin therapy is initiated for a 12-year-old child who is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which action is most important for the nurse to include in the child's plan of care?
- A. Monitor serum glucose for adjustment in the infusion rate of regular insulin (Novolin R).
- B. Determine the child's compliance schedule for subcutaneous NPH insulin (Humulin N).
- C. Demonstrate to the parents how to program an insulin pen for daily glucose regulation.
- D. Consult with the healthcare provider about the use of insulin detemir (Levemir Flex Pen).
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In managing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), monitoring serum glucose levels is crucial to adjust the infusion rate of regular insulin effectively. This helps in controlling blood glucose levels and preventing complications associated with DKA. Close monitoring and adjustments based on glucose levels are essential for the successful management of DKA.
A woman who delivered a 9-pound baby via cesarean section under spinal anesthesia is recovering in the post-anesthesia care unit. Her fundus is firm at the umbilicus, and a continuous trickle of bright red blood with no clots is observed by the nurse. Which action should the nurse implement?
- A. Assess her blood pressure.
- B. Apply an ice pack to the perineum.
- C. Allow the infant to breastfeed.
- D. Massage the fundus vigorously.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this situation, continuous bleeding despite a firm fundus suggests a possible laceration. The appropriate action for the nurse to take is to assess the woman's blood pressure. This helps determine the severity of blood loss and guides further interventions, such as identifying the need for additional assessments or interventions to control bleeding.
At 35 weeks gestation, a client complains of 'pain whenever the baby moves.' The nurse notes a temperature of 101.2 F (38.4 C) with severe abdominal or uterine tenderness on palpation. What condition do these findings indicate?
- A. Round ligament strain.
- B. Chorioamnionitis.
- C. Abruptio placenta.
- D. Viral infection.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
A newborn with a yellow abdomen and chest is being assessed. What should the nurse do?
- A. Assess bilirubin level.
- B. Administer phototherapy.
- C. Encourage feeding to help reduce bilirubin levels.
- D. Perform a bilirubin test every hour.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
A client with no prenatal care arrives at the labor unit screaming, 'The baby is coming!' The nurse performs a vaginal examination that reveals the cervix is 3 centimeters dilated and 75% effaced. What additional information is most important for the LPN/LVN to obtain?
- A. Gravidity and parity.
- B. Time and amount of last oral intake.
- C. Date of last normal menstrual period.
- D. Frequency and intensity of contractions.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Obtaining the date of the last normal menstrual period is crucial in estimating the gestational age of the fetus. This information helps in determining the progression of labor and the management of delivery. It also assists healthcare providers in assessing the overall health of the mother and the fetus.