A new father tells a nurse friend that his wife is agitated and acting in a bizarre fashion. She says that she hears voices. Her baby is 2 weeks old. The father is concerned about the care the mother is giving the baby. The nurse should:
- A. Tell the father that this is severe postpartum blues and will pass in a few days if he shows enough support.
- B. Suggest that the father try talking to his wife to find out what is bothering her about being a new mother.
- C. Explain that the mother will probably need psychotherapy and refer him to support groups.
- D. Tell the father to call the physician immediately and not to leave the woman alone with the baby.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The symptoms described may indicate postpartum psychosis a serious condition that requires immediate medical intervention to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby.
You may also like to solve these questions
A medication order reads: Methergine (ergonovine) 0.2 mg po q 6 h × 4 doses. Which of the following assessments should be made before administering each dose of this medication?
- A. Apical pulse.
- B. Lochia flow.
- C. Blood pressure.
- D. Episiotomy.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Methergine can raise blood pressure, so it is important to assess the patient's blood pressure before administering each dose.
What postpartum infection is caused by STIs and chorioamnionitis?
- A. mastitis
- B. pneumonia
- C. cesarean wound infection
- D. postpartum endometritis
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Postpartum endometritis is a common infection caused by STIs and chorioamnionitis.
What is characteristic of an early (primary) PPH?
- A. occurs after 12 weeks postpartum
- B. is not an emergency
- C. often occurs due to uterine atony
- D. is diagnosed after the person is discharged
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because early (primary) postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) often occurs due to uterine atony, which is the inability of the uterus to contract effectively after childbirth. This leads to excessive bleeding within 24 hours of delivery. Choice A is incorrect because early PPH occurs within 24 hours postpartum, not after 12 weeks. Choice B is incorrect because early PPH is indeed an emergency due to the risk of rapid blood loss. Choice D is incorrect as early PPH is typically diagnosed before or shortly after discharge, not after.
The nurse is caring for a postpartum woman and her 2-hour-old baby. The new mother has been preoccupied with breastfeeding and visitors, but suddenly she complains of dizziness and is light-headed. Which response by the nurse is appropriate?
- A. Explain that she needs to drink more fluids and eat because she needs to replace fluids and calories.
- B. Encourage the patient to rest, and ask a family member to watch the newborn in the crib.
- C. Tell the patient that the dizziness is probably caused by her pain medication and that it is normal.
- D. Obtain vital signs, assess fundal tone, and observe for excessive lochia.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Obtaining vital signs, assessing fundal tone, and observing for excessive lochia is appropriate to identify the cause of dizziness.
Which medications are used to manage PPH? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Oxytocin
- B. Methergine
- C. Terbutaline
- D. Hemabate
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: 1. Oxytocin: Oxytocin is a commonly used medication to manage postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) because it helps to contract the uterus, which can reduce bleeding after childbirth. It is often the first-line treatment in cases of PPH.