Immediately after delivery of the client’s placenta, the nurse palpates the client’s uterine fundus. The fundus is firm and located halfway between the umbilicus and symphysis pubis. Which action should the nurse take based on the assessment findings?
- A. Immediately begin to massage the uterus
- B. Document the findings of the fundus
- C. Assess the client for bladder distention
- D. Monitor for increased vaginal bleeding
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Uterine massage is indicated only if the uterus does not feel firm and contracted. Immediately after birth, the uterus should contract, and the fundus should be located one-half to two-thirds of the way between the symphysis pubis and umbilicus. Thus the only action required is to document the assessment finding. There is no indication that the bladder is full. A full bladder will cause uterine displacement to either side of the abdomen. The uterus is firm; there is no reason to infer that increased vaginal bleeding would occur.
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The client, who is 20 days postpartum, telephones the perinatal clinic to tell the nurse that she is having heavy, bright red bleeding since hospital discharge 18 days ago. Which instruction to the client is correct?
- A. “You need to come to the clinic immediately.”
- B. “Decrease physical activity until the bleeding stops.”
- C. “There is no need for concern; this is expected after birth.”
- D. “Call next week if the bleeding has not stopped by then.”
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Lochia rubra that persists for longer than 2 weeks is suggestive of subinvolution of the uterus, which is the most common cause of delayed postpartum hemorrhage. The client should be seen in the clinic immediately to determine what is causing her abnormal lochial discharge. Increased physical activity can lead to increased lochial discharge, but the client is reporting continuous lochia rubra, which is abnormal. Lochia rubra is expected to last for up to 3 days after birth, not 20 days. Waiting until next week to be seen only delays determining the cause for her abnormal bleeding and increases the risk of the client for other complications.
The laboring client just had a convulsion after being given regional anesthesia. Which interventions should the nurse implement? Select all that apply.
- A. Establish an airway.
- B. Position on her right side.
- C. Provide 100% oxygen.
- D. Administer diazepam.
- E. Page the anesthesiologist STAT.
Correct Answer: A,C,D,E
Rationale: The client experiencing a convulsion related to anesthesia should first have an airway established. The client experiencing a convulsion related to anesthesia should receive 100% oxygen so that the mother and fetus remain oxygenated. Small doses of diazepam or thiopental can be administered to stop the convulsions. The anesthesiologist should be STAT paged to provide assistance; the convulsion was initiated by the regional anesthetic. The client’s head should be turned to the side if vomiting occurs, but the client typically remains in a left lateral tilt position so an airway can be maintained. Positioning on the right side can cause aortocaval compression.
The nurse advises a client with a history of miscarriage to monitor which symptom?
- A. Mild fatigue
- B. Vaginal spotting
- C. Increased appetite
- D. Normal fetal movement
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Vaginal spotting may indicate a threatened miscarriage, requiring close monitoring and medical evaluation.
The RN and the student nurse are caring for the postpartum client who is 16 hours postdelivery. The RN evaluates that the student needs more education about uterine assessment when the student is observed doing which activity?
- A. Elevating the client’s head 30 degrees before doing the assessment
- B. Supporting the lower uterine segment during the assessment
- C. Gently palpating the uterine fundus for firmness and location
- D. Observing the abdomen before beginning palpation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: For uterine assessment, the client should be positioned in a supine position so the height of the uterus is not influenced by an elevated position. When beginning the assessment, one hand should be placed at the base of the uterus just above the symphysis pubis to support the lower uterine segment. This prevents the inadvertent inversion of the uterus during palpation. Once the lower hand is in place, the fundus of the uterus can be gently palpated. The abdomen should be observed prior to palpation for contour to detect distention and for the appearance of striae or a diastasis.
Which statement by the client indicates understanding of prenatal education?
- A. I should avoid all exercise during pregnancy.
- B. I need to attend prenatal visits only in the third trimester.
- C. I should report any decrease in fetal movement.
- D. I can consume alcohol in moderation after the first trimester.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Reporting decreased fetal movement is critical, as it may indicate fetal distress, showing the client understands key prenatal education.