The healthcare provider is assessing a postpartum client who is 1 day post-delivery. Which finding would require immediate intervention?
- A. Lochia rubra with a few small clots
- B. Fundus firm and midline
- C. Temperature of 100.4°F (38°C)
- D. Saturated perineal pad in 15 minutes
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A saturated perineal pad in 15 minutes indicates excessive bleeding, known as postpartum hemorrhage, which is a critical condition requiring immediate intervention to prevent further complications like hypovolemic shock. Monitoring and managing postpartum bleeding are crucial in the early postpartum period to ensure the client's safety and well-being. The other options are normal postpartum findings: lochia rubra with a few small clots is expected in the early postpartum period, a firm and midline fundus indicates proper uterine contraction, and a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) is within the normal range for the postpartum period.
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A postpartum client is experiencing difficulty voiding. What should the nurse include in the care plan to assist the client?
- A. Encourage the client to drink caffeine-free beverages.
- B. Apply a warm compress to the client's lower abdomen.
- C. Encourage increased fluid intake to promote urinary flow.
- D. Assist the client with Kegel exercises.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Applying a warm compress to the lower abdomen can help relax the muscles and stimulate voiding in postpartum clients. It promotes vasodilation, increases blood flow to the area, and can aid in relieving urinary retention. Encouraging caffeine-free beverages can also be beneficial as caffeine can irritate the bladder and worsen the situation. Increasing fluid intake helps prevent urinary stasis and promotes bladder emptying. Kegel exercises can strengthen pelvic floor muscles over time, but in the immediate situation of difficulty voiding, a warm compress is more appropriate.
What intervention should the nurse encourage for a postpartum client complaining of perineal pain?
- A. Use of ice packs for the first 24 hours
- B. Application of heat packs immediately
- C. Avoiding the use of peri-bottles
- D. Using tampons to manage lochia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct intervention for perineal pain in a postpartum client is the use of ice packs for the first 24 hours. Ice packs help reduce swelling and discomfort in the perineal area, especially during the initial post-delivery period. Applying heat packs can exacerbate swelling and discomfort. Avoiding peri-bottles may lead to poor perineal hygiene. Using tampons is contraindicated postpartum as it increases the risk of infection.
During the initial assessment of the newborn, which of the following data would be considered normal?
- A. Chest circumference 31.5 cm, head circumference 33.5 cm
- B. Chest circumference 30 cm, head circumference 29 cm
- C. Chest circumference 38 cm, head circumference 31.5 cm
- D. Chest circumference 32.5 cm, head circumference 36 cm
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. During the initial assessment of a newborn, the average head circumference at birth is 32 to 37 cm, while the average chest circumference ranges from 30 to 35 cm. Normally, the head's circumference is about 2 cm greater than the chest circumference at birth. Choice A provides measurements of chest circumference 31.5 cm and head circumference 33.5 cm, both falling within the normal range in terms of actual size and relative size. Choices B, C, and D do not align with the typical measurements seen in a healthy newborn. Choice B has both circumferences below the average range, choice C has the chest circumference above the average, and choice D has the head circumference notably higher than the chest circumference, which is not typical for a newborn.
Warning signs that indicate dehydration include all EXCEPT:
- A. Poor skin turgor
- B. Increased urine output
- C. Tachycardia
- D. Eager to drink
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Increased urine output is not a warning sign of dehydration; it typically decreases with dehydration. Dehydration often presents with poor skin turgor, tachycardia, and an increased sensation of thirst (eager to drink) as the body tries to compensate for fluid loss. Choices A, C, and D are all correct warning signs of dehydration. Poor skin turgor is a result of decreased skin elasticity due to fluid loss. Tachycardia, an elevated heart rate, can be a compensatory mechanism to maintain cardiac output in dehydration. Feeling eager to drink is a common symptom of dehydration as the body attempts to restore fluid balance.
Which of the following drinks is recommended for reconstituting oral rehydration salts?
- A. Water
- B. Fruit juice
- C. Soda
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Water. Water is the ideal fluid to reconstitute oral rehydration salts because it helps in proper hydration without adding unnecessary sugars or acidity that may be present in fruit juice or soda. Using water ensures the salts are properly dissolved and can effectively rehydrate the individual. Choices B and C are incorrect because fruit juice and soda may contain sugars or acidity that can interfere with the rehydration process and are not recommended for reconstituting oral rehydration salts.