Nokea
On the first postpartal day, a client tells the nurse that she has been changing her perineal pads every 1/2 hour because they are saturated with bright red vaginal drainage. When palpating the uterus, the nurse assesses that it is somewhat soft, 1 fingerbreadth above the umbilicus, and midline. The nursing action to be taken is to:
- A. Gently massage the uterus until firm, express any clots, and note the amount and character of lochia
- B. Catheterize the client and reassess the uterus
- C. Begin IV fluids and administer oxytocic medication
- D. Administer analgesics as ordered to relieve discomfort
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Gentle massage and expression of clots will let the fundus return to a state of firmness, allowing the uterus to function as the 'living ligature.' A distended bladder may promote uterine atony; however, after determining the bladder is distended, the nurse would have the client void. Catheterization is only done if normal bladder function has not returned. Oxytocic medications are ordered and administered if the uterus does not remain contracted after gentle massage and determining if the bladder is empty. The client is not complaining of discomfort or pain; therefore, analgesics are not necessary.
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A 35-year-old client has returned to her room following surgery on her right femur. She has an IV of D5 in one-half normal saline infusing at 125 mL/hr and is receiving morphine sulfate 10-15 mg IM q4h prn for pain. She last voided 5-1/2 hours ago when she was given her preoperative medication. In monitoring and promoting return of urinary function after surgery, the nurse would:
- A. Provide food and fluids at the client's request
- B. Maintain IV, increasing the rate hourly until the client voids
- C. Report to the surgeon if the client is unable to void within 8 hours of surgery
- D. Hold morphine sulfate injections for pain until the client voids, explaining to her that morphine sulfate can cause urinary retention
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Provision of food and fluid promotes bowel elimination. Nutritional needs postoperatively are determined by the physician, not the client. Increasing IV fluids postoperatively will not cause a client to void. Any change in rate of administration of IV fluids should be determined by the physician. The postoperative client with normal kidney function who cannot void 8 hours after surgery is retaining urine. The client may need catheterization or medication. The physician must provide orders for both as necessary. Although morphine sulfate can cause urinary retention, withholding pain medication will not ensure that the client will void. The client with uncontrolled pain will probably not be able to void.
An elderly patient has been taking 80 mg of furosemide (Lasix) bid. The nurse notes that the patient's most recent potassium level is 2.5mEq/L. The nurse should:
- A. Continue the medication as ordered
- B. Administer the morning dose only
- C. Give the medication with orange juice
- D. Withhold the medication and notify the physician
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A potassium level of 2.5 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, a serious side effect of furosemide, a potassium-wasting diuretic. The nurse should withhold the medication and notify the physician to address the electrolyte imbalance.
A female client is admitted to the emergency department complaining of severe right-sided abdominal pain and vaginal spotting. She states that her last menstrual period was about 2 months ago. A positive pregnancy test result and ultrasonography confirm an ectopic pregnancy. The nurse could best explain to the client that her condition is caused by:
- A. Abnormal development of the embryo
- B. A distended or ruptured fallopian tube
- C. A congenital abnormality of the tube
- D. A malfunctioning of the placenta
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The embryo itself may develop normally in the first several weeks of an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy in the fallopian tube causes severe pain owing to the size of the growing embryo within the narrow lumen of the tube, causing distention and finally rupture within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The Fallopian tube may either be normal or contain adhesions caused by a history of pelvic inflammatory disease or tubal surgeries, neither of which are congenital causes. An ectopic pregnancy does not involve a dysfunctional placenta, but the implantation of the blastocyst outside the uterus.
A client with a history of a kidney stone is being discharged. The nurse should teach the client to:
- A. Increase fluid intake
- B. Avoid dairy products
- C. Limit protein intake
- D. Take vitamin C supplements
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Increasing fluid intake prevents kidney stone recurrence by diluting urine and flushing crystals. Dairy, protein, and vitamin C restrictions depend on stone type but are secondary.
The nurse is teaching a client with a new colostomy about dietary management. Which food should the client avoid to reduce odor?
- A. Broccoli
- B. Rice
- C. Chicken
- D. Yogurt
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Broccoli, a cruciferous vegetable, increases colostomy odor due to sulfur compounds. Rice (B), chicken (C), and yogurt (D) are odor-neutral and appropriate.