A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving an epidural block with an opioid analgesic. The nurse should monitor for which of the following findings as an adverse effect of the medication?
- A. Hyperglycemia
- B. Bilateral crackles
- C. Hypotension
- D. Polyuria
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C (Hypotension)
Rationale: Opioid analgesics can cause vasodilation leading to hypotension. The epidural route can potentiate this effect due to direct spinal cord vasodilation. Monitoring for hypotension is crucial to prevent adverse outcomes such as decreased perfusion.
Incorrect Choices:
A: Hyperglycemia - Opioid analgesics typically do not cause hyperglycemia.
B: Bilateral crackles - Crackles are indicative of fluid accumulation in the lungs, not a typical adverse effect of opioid analgesics.
D: Polyuria - Opioid analgesics do not commonly cause increased urine output.
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A nurse is caring for a client immediately following the delivery of a stillborn fetus. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Limit the amount of time the fetus is in the client’s room.
- B. Provide the client with photos of the fetus.
- C. Instruct the client that an autopsy should be performed within 24 hr.
- D. Inform the client that the law requires them to name the fetus.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Provide the client with photos of the fetus. This action allows the client to have tangible memories of their stillborn child, which can aid in the grieving process and provide closure. Providing photos is a sensitive and compassionate gesture that acknowledges the significance of the loss. It also respects the client's autonomy in choosing how they wish to remember their child.
The other choices are not appropriate in this situation:
A: Limiting the time the fetus is in the room may not consider the emotional needs of the client.
C: Instructing the client about an autopsy may be insensitive and distressing without discussing it first with the client.
D: Informing the client about naming the fetus is not a legal requirement and could add unnecessary pressure during a difficult time.
A nurse is caring for a client who delivered by cesarean birth 6 hr ago. The nurse notes a steady trickle of vaginal bleeding that does not stop with fundal massage. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Replace the surgical dressing.
- B. Evaluate urinary output.
- C. Apply an ice pack to the incision site.
- D. Administer 500 mL lactated Ringer’s IV bolus.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Administer 500 mL lactated Ringer’s IV bolus. This action is necessary to address the persistent vaginal bleeding after cesarean birth, as it could be a sign of postpartum hemorrhage. Administering IV fluids helps to improve circulating volume and maintain adequate perfusion to vital organs. This can help stabilize the client's condition while further assessments and interventions are carried out.
Choice A: Replacing the surgical dressing does not address the underlying cause of the bleeding and is not a priority at this time.
Choice B: Evaluating urinary output is important but not the immediate action needed to address the vaginal bleeding.
Choice C: Applying an ice pack to the incision site is not appropriate for controlling postpartum bleeding.
In summary, administering IV fluids is the priority to address potential postpartum hemorrhage, while the other options do not directly address the urgent issue at hand.
A nurse is assessing a client who is 6 hr postpartum and has endometritis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Temperature 37.4°C (99.3°F)
- B. WBC count 9,000/mm3
- C. Uterine tenderness
- D. Scant lochia
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Uterine tenderness. Endometritis is an infection of the uterine lining that can occur postpartum. Uterine tenderness is a common finding in clients with endometritis due to inflammation and infection. A: A temperature of 37.4°C (99.3°F) is within normal range and may not specifically indicate endometritis. B: A WBC count of 9,000/mm3 is also within normal limits and may not be specific to endometritis. D: Scant lochia may be seen in clients with endometritis, but it is not a defining characteristic.
A nurse is assessing a newborn following a forceps-assisted birth. Which of the following clinical manifestations should the nurse identify as a complication of this birth method?
- A. Polycythemia
- B. Hypoglycemia
- C. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
- D. Facial palsy
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Facial palsy. Forceps-assisted births can put pressure on the baby's face, leading to facial nerve injury and subsequent facial palsy. This can present as weakness or paralysis of facial muscles. Polycythemia (A) is not typically associated with forceps-assisted births. Hypoglycemia (B) is more commonly seen in infants of diabetic mothers or preterm infants. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (C) is a lung condition often seen in premature infants on ventilatory support. The key is to recognize the specific complications related to forceps-assisted births, making choice D the most appropriate in this scenario.
Select the 3 findings that require immediate follow-up.
- A. Lateral deviation of the uterus
- B. Deep tendon reflexes 1+
- C. Pain rating of 3 on a scale of 0 to 10 (increased)
- D. Peripheral edema 2+ bilateral lower extremities
- E. Uterine tone soft
- F. Large amount of lochia rubra
- G. Blood pressure 136/86 mm Hg
Correct Answer: A,B,C
Rationale: The correct choices for immediate follow-up are A, B, and C. A lateral deviation of the uterus could indicate a possible complication like uterine atony or retained products of conception. Deep tendon reflexes of 1+ could suggest hyporeflexia or neurological issues. A pain rating of 3 on a scale of 0 to 10, especially if it has increased, may indicate worsening pain or a new issue. Choices D, E, F, and G do not present immediate concerns that require urgent follow-up compared to choices A, B, and C. Peripheral edema 2+ in bilateral lower extremities, soft uterine tone, large amount of lochia rubra, and a blood pressure of 136/86 mm Hg are important findings but do not necessitate immediate intervention or follow-up.