Nokea
The client in labor is requesting water therapy (hydrotherapy) to help provide pain relief and relaxation. Her recent vaginal exam was 2/50/—2. How should the nurse respond to the client’s request?
- A. “Usually we initiate hydrotherapy during active labor.”
- B. “You will not need to change positions quite as much.”
- C. “We will not be able to monitor fetal heart rate as easily.”
- D. “You can use hydrotherapy for up to 60 minutes at a time.”
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Hydrotherapy is usually initiated when the client is in active labor, at approximately 4 or 5 cm. This timing will help reduce the risk of prolonged labor and provide a welcome change when the contractions are becoming stronger and closer together. Changing position takes less effort while immersed in water, so women are encouraged to change positions more frequently to help facilitate the process of labor. FHR monitoring can be done just as easily during hydrotherapy, using a wireless external monitor, Doppler, or fetoscope. Internal electrodes can be placed during most types of hydrotherapy but is contraindicated during jet hydrotherapy. There is no time limit for laboring women to use hydrotherapy; they may stay as long as desired, unless complications develop during the labor process.
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Which snack is most appropriate for a pregnant client with nausea?
- A. Dry crackers
- B. Ice cream
- C. Spicy chips
- D. Carbonated soda
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Dry crackers are bland and easy to digest, helping to alleviate nausea without exacerbating symptoms.
The pregnant client is experiencing low back pain. After determining that the client is not in labor, the nurse instructs the client to perform which exercises to increase comfort and decrease the incidence of the low back pain? Select all that apply.
- A. Kegel exercises
- B. Pelvic tilt exercises
- C. Leg raises
- D. Back stretch
- E. Stepping
Correct Answer: B,C,D
Rationale: Pelvic tilt exercises strengthen and stretch the abdominal and back muscles to relieve pain. Leg raises strengthen and stretch leg and abdominal muscles to relieve pain. Back stretch relieves pain from the back muscles caused by lordosis. Kegel exercises strengthen the pubococcygeal muscle, decreasing urinary leakage, but do not relieve back pain. Stepping provides aerobic exercise, which is good for circulation but is not recommended to decrease low back pain.
The postpartum client, who had a forceps-assisted vaginal birth 4 hours ago, tells the nurse that she is having continuing perineal pain rated at 7 out of 10 and rectal pressure. An oral analgesic was given and ice applied to the perineum earlier. What should the nurse do now?
- A. Call the HCP to report the pain
- B. Closely reinspect the perineum
- C. Help her out of bed to ambulate
- D. Administer a stool softener
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Reexamination of the perineum should be completed before calling the HCP to report the pain level. A forceps-assisted delivery can increase the risk of hematoma development. Rectal pressure and perineal pain can indicate a hematoma in the posterior vaginal wall. The nurse should closely examine the perineum and the vaginal introitus for ecchymosis and a bulging mass. Ambulation would not help the perineal pain. A stool softener would be appropriate to avoid constipation but would not help the immediate problem.
The oncoming shift nurse assesses the fundus of the postpartum client 6 hours after a vaginal birth and finds that it is firm. When the nurse then assists the client out of bed for the first time, blood begins to run down the client’s leg. Which action by the nurse in response to the client’s bleeding is correct?
- A. Explain that extra bleeding can occur with initial standing
- B. Immediately assist the client back into bed
- C. Push the emergency call light in the room
- D. Call the HCP to report this increased bleeding
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Lochia normally pools in the vagina when the postpartum client remains in a recumbent position for any length of time. When the client then stands, gravity causes the blood to flow out. As long as the nurse knows the fundus is firm and not bleeding, a simple explanation to the client is all that is required. There is no reason to return the client to bed; the fundus is firm. There is no reason to push the emergency call light. Increased bleeding is an expected response when standing for the first time. There is no reason to call the HCP.
While assessing the prenatal client, the nurse found a number of concerning problems. Place the concerning problems in the sequence that they should be addressed by the nurse.
- A. Currently bleeding and cramping
- B. Previous varicella infection
- C. Currently using tobacco
- D. Has intense pelvic pain
Correct Answer: D,A,C,B
Rationale: Has intense pelvic pain is most concerning and should be addressed first by the nurse. It could be a symptom of a serious medical condition, such as a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or appendicitis. This symptom represents a possible pathology that could warrant immediate surgical intervention. Currently bleeding and cramping should be addressed next. It could be associated with the pelvic pain and could be a symptom of a serious medical condition, such as a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Currently using tobacco can put the client at risk for multiple adverse outcomes and should be addressed, although it is not an immediately concerning factor. Previous varicella infection is important to document but poses no risk to the client or the fetus, so it is the least important to address.