The nurse is assessing her patient, who is 1 day postpartum. The nurse notes that the fundus is firm and at midline, the lochia is moderate in amount, and the presence of rubra with two dime-sized clots is on her peri-pad. What should the nurse determine from these assessment findings?
- A. They are normal.
- B. They indicate the presence of infection.
- C. The physician should be notified of the abnormal findings.
- D. The patient should be instructed to increase her fluid intake.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice A is correct:
1. Fundus is firm and at midline: Indicates normal involution of the uterus post-delivery.
2. Lochia is moderate with rubra and small clots: Expected findings in the early postpartum period.
3. Overall assessment findings within normal range: Indicate normal postpartum recovery.
Summary of why other choices are incorrect:
B. Presence of infection would usually be indicated by abnormal signs such as foul-smelling lochia or fever, which are absent in this case.
C. No abnormal findings are present that would necessitate physician notification.
D. Fluid intake is important postpartum, but there are no signs in this scenario indicating a need for increased fluid intake.
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Which best represents the process of postpartum diuresis in a postpartum client?
- A. A nervous response to vasomotor changes
- B. Elimination of excess fluid through the skin
- C. Underarm perspiration that occurs after ambulation
- D. Loss of fluid from expulsion of the placenta and amniotic fluid
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Postpartum diuresis is the increased urine output that occurs after childbirth. The correct answer, D, explains this process accurately as the loss of fluid from expulsion of the placenta and amniotic fluid triggers the body to eliminate excess fluid through increased urination. Choice A is incorrect as it does not directly relate to the process of postpartum diuresis. Choice B is incorrect because excess fluid is primarily eliminated through urine, not the skin. Choice C is incorrect as underarm perspiration is not a significant factor in postpartum diuresis.
The nurse is palpating a patient's uterus 12 hours after a vaginal delivery. For which reason does the nurse place one hand just above the symphysis pubis?
- A. To prevent uterine prolapse.
- B. To prevent uterine movement
- C. To prevent uterine hemorrhage
- D. To prevent uterine inversion
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: To prevent uterine inversion. Placing a hand just above the symphysis pubis helps support the uterus and prevent it from turning inside out. This is crucial postpartum to avoid complications such as hemorrhage and shock. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as palpating the uterus in this manner is specifically aimed at preventing uterine inversion, not prolapse, movement, or hemorrhage.
The nurse is observing a new mother interact with her baby and notices the mother holding the baby close to her body. However, the nurse also notices that the mother does not hold the baby in an enface position. Which question is most appropriate for the nurse to ask?
- A. Can I help you with a nice position in which to hold your baby?'
- B. What can you tell me about your family's beliefs with new babies?'
- C. Is there some reason that I have not seen you look into your baby's eyes?'
- D. Your baby is so expressive, have you looked into his eyes yet?'
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "What can you tell me about your family's beliefs with new babies?" This question allows the nurse to gather valuable cultural information that may explain the mother's behavior of not holding the baby in an enface position. Understanding the family's beliefs helps the nurse provide culturally sensitive care.
A: "Can I help you with a nice position in which to hold your baby?" - This question assumes the mother needs help with positioning, which may not be the case. It does not address the underlying reason for the mother's behavior.
C: "Is there some reason that I have not seen you look into your baby's eyes?" - This question is accusatory and may make the mother defensive. It does not consider cultural reasons for the behavior.
D: "Your baby is so expressive, have you looked into his eyes yet?" - This question assumes the mother has not looked into the baby's eyes, which may not be the case. It does not address the cultural
A postpartum patient states, " am really in pain."For which sources of pain will the nurse not assess the patient?
- A. Uterine contractions
- B. Perineal trauma
- C. Breast engorgement
- D. General soreness
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because general soreness is a vague and nonspecific term that does not provide any specific information on the source or type of pain. In contrast, uterine contractions, perineal trauma, and breast engorgement are common sources of postpartum pain with specific anatomical locations and characteristics. Assessing for general soreness would not lead to identifying potential underlying issues or appropriate interventions. It is important to focus on assessing specific sources of pain to provide targeted care for the postpartum patient.
The nurse is educating a new postpartum woman about peri-care. Which action by the client indicates understanding?
- A. The woman applied her peri-pad from back to front.
- B. The woman performed peri-care three times a day.
- C. The woman washed her hands before and after performing peri-care.
- D. The woman mixed tap water and hydrogen peroxide in her peri-bottle.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because washing hands before and after performing peri-care is essential to prevent the spread of infections. Before touching the perineal area, proper hand hygiene reduces the risk of introducing harmful bacteria. After caring for the perineum, washing hands again prevents transferring any bacteria to other parts of the body. This demonstrates understanding of infection prevention.
Choice A is incorrect because applying the peri-pad from back to front can introduce bacteria from the rectal area to the vaginal area, increasing the risk of infection.
Choice B is incorrect because the frequency of performing peri-care depends on individual needs and hygiene practices, so stating a fixed number of times is not indicative of understanding.
Choice D is incorrect because mixing tap water and hydrogen peroxide in the peri-bottle is not a recommended practice for peri-care and may cause irritation or disrupt the natural balance of the vaginal flora.