Nokea
The nurse is assessing the midline episiotomy on a postpartum client. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect to see?
- A. Moderate serosanguinous drainage.
- B. Well-approximated edges.
- C. Ecchymotic area distal to the episiotomy.
- D. An area of redness adjacent to the incision.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A well-approximated episiotomy will have edges that are aligned and close together, indicating proper healing.
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The nurse in a labor and delivery department carefully assesses postpartum patients for signs of complications related to hemorrhage. Which factor makes it most difficult to identify the risk of hemorrhage through vital sign evaluation?
- A. Blood pressure may be elevated from prenatal conditions.
- B. Respirations are increased due to activity of labor.
- C. Changes in blood pressure may not be an immediate sign.
- D. Heart rate may increase with intensity of labor.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because changes in blood pressure may not be an immediate sign of hemorrhage. Hemorrhage can occur rapidly and cause a drop in blood pressure, but it may not be the first sign observed. Vital signs such as blood pressure can fluctuate for various reasons, making it challenging to solely rely on them to identify hemorrhage risk. Elevated blood pressure from prenatal conditions (A) and increased respirations due to labor activity (B) are more likely to be expected and can be explained by those specific factors. Heart rate increasing with the intensity of labor (D) is a common physiological response and may not necessarily indicate hemorrhage.
The nurse is caring for a postpartum woman and her 2-hour-old baby. The new mother has been preoccupied with breastfeeding and visitors, but suddenly she complains of dizziness and is light-headed. Which response by the nurse is appropriate?
- A. Explain that she needs to drink more fluids and eat because she needs to replace fluids and calories.
- B. Encourage the patient to rest, and ask a family member to watch the newborn in the crib.
- C. Tell the patient that the dizziness is probably caused by her pain medication and that it is normal.
- D. Obtain vital signs, assess fundal tone, and observe for excessive lochia.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Obtaining vital signs, assessing fundal tone, and observing for excessive lochia is appropriate to identify the cause of dizziness.
What assessment finding suggests a possible infection?
- A. painful fundal massage
- B. breast-feeding every 2–3 hours
- C. pulse 72
- D. WBCs 10,000
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: WBCs 10,000. An elevated white blood cell count (WBC) is a common sign of infection as the body produces more WBCs to fight off pathogens. This increase in WBC count is known as leukocytosis and is a key indicator of an ongoing infection. In contrast, choices A, B, and C are not direct indicators of infection. A painful fundal massage may suggest uterine atony, breast-feeding every 2-3 hours is a normal part of postpartum care, and a pulse rate of 72 is within the normal range. Therefore, the most reliable assessment finding suggesting a possible infection is an elevated WBC count.
The nurse suspects that her postpartum client is experiencing hemorrhagic shock. Which observation indicates or would confirm this diagnosis?
- A. Absence of cyanosis in the buccal mucosa
- B. Cool, dry skin
- C. Calm mental status
- D. Urinary output of at least 30 ml/hr
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hemorrhagic shock is characterized by inadequate tissue perfusion due to severe blood loss, leading to decreased circulating volume. The body's compensatory mechanisms kick in to maintain blood pressure, causing the peripheral blood vessels to constrict. This constriction can lead to cool, clammy, and pale skin as the body shunts blood away from the skin's surface to the vital organs. The skin may also feel cool to the touch due to reduced perfusion. This observation is significant in indicating hemorrhagic shock because it signifies the body's response to the insufficient circulating volume and the need to prioritize perfusion to essential organs.
What is one of the initial signs and symptoms of puerperal infection in the postpartum client?
- A. Fatigue continuing for longer than 1 week
- B. Pain with voiding
- C. Profuse vaginal lochia with ambulation
- D. Temperature of 38° C (100.4° F) or higher on 2 successive days
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: One of the initial signs and symptoms of puerperal infection in the postpartum client is an elevated temperature. A temperature of 38° C (100.4° F) or higher on 2 successive days is indicative of an infection. This can be a key indicator for healthcare providers to suspect puerperal infection, also known as postpartum infection or postpartum sepsis. It is important to monitor postpartum clients closely for any signs of infection, especially in the immediate postpartum period. Prompt recognition and management of puerperal infection is crucial to prevent serious complications for the mother.