The nurse is assessing a patient who is 12 hours postpartum. The uterus is firm to palpation, at midline, and is 1 cm below the umbilicus with continuous heavy vaginal bleeding. What is the nurse’s first action?
- A. Massage the uterus and resume the IV Pitocin drip.
- B. Change the peri-pad and reassess the bleeding.
- C. Call the provider to check for a cervical laceration.
- D. Administer the ordered iron supplement and ibuprofen.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse must address the uterine tone and bleeding immediately by massaging the uterus and resuming Pitocin to prevent hemorrhage.
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A 3-day-breastfeeding client who is not immune to rubella is to receive the rubella vaccine at discharge. Which of the following must the nurse include in her discharge teaching regarding the vaccine?
- A. The woman should not become pregnant for at least 4 weeks.
- B. The woman should pump and dump her breast milk for 1 week.
- C. Surgical masks must be worn by the mother when she holds the baby.
- D. Antibodies transported through the breast milk will protect the baby.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The rubella vaccine is a live vaccine, and it is contraindicated during pregnancy. Women should avoid pregnancy for at least 4 weeks after receiving the vaccine to ensure no risk to the developing fetus.
The nurse is aware the greatest source of bleeding during childbirth occurs following detachment of the placenta. Which physiological change takes place immediately after the expulsion of the placenta to decrease the amount of blood loss?
- A. Contractions of the uterine myometrium
- B. Factor VIII complex increases during gestation
- C. Platelet activity increases before labor and delivery
- D. Fibrin formation increases before the birth occurs
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Contractions of the uterine myometrium. After the placenta is expelled, the uterine myometrium contracts, causing compression of blood vessels at the site of placental detachment, which helps to decrease blood loss. This contraction also helps to close off blood vessels and reduce the risk of postpartum hemorrhage.
Summary of other choices:
B: Factor VIII complex increases during gestation - Factor VIII is involved in blood clotting, but its increase during gestation is not directly related to decreasing blood loss after placental expulsion.
C: Platelet activity increases before labor and delivery - While platelet activity is important for blood clotting, the increase before labor and delivery does not specifically address the immediate decrease in blood loss after placental expulsion.
D: Fibrin formation increases before the birth occurs - Fibrin formation is part of the clotting process, but its increase before birth does not directly address the immediate decrease in blood loss post
When referring to the 4 T 's of PPH, what does tissue refer to?
- A. Placental tissue or membranes are retained.
- B. Tissue of the perineum is torn.
- C. Tissue of the uterus is torn.
- D. Tissue is not perfused.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Retained placental tissue or membranes can cause postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) by preventing the uterus from contracting properly.
The nurse reviews postpartum discharge instructions regarding sexual health. What information is important to review?
- A. Place nothing in the vagina for 4 -6 weeks.
- B. Pregnancy cannot occur until 3 months after birth.
- C. Sexual intercourse can resume after discharge from the facility.
- D. Postpartum persons do not have a need for sexual intimacy.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: It is important to wait 4 -6 weeks before placing anything in the vagina to allow for physical recovery and reduce infection risk.
What do ineffective parenting practices put the newborn at risk for?
- A. sleeplessness
- B. reflux
- C. lack of attachment
- D. NICU admission
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Ineffective parenting practices can lead to a lack of emotional bonding and attachment which can impact the child's development.