The nurse is aware of concern about the increasing numbers of severe maternal morbidity (SMM). It is believed to be related to changes in the overall health of the population of women giving birth. Which reasons does the nurse identify as causes of SMM? Select all that apply.
- A. Increases in maternal age
- B. Prepregnancy obesity
- C. Cesarean deliveries
- D. Inability to pay for health care
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Documented increases in maternal age is a likely cause for SMM; older women have increased risk. Obesity is a general health risk in the United States; prepregnancy obesity causes increased incidences of SMM. Cesarean deliveries are increasing, and surgical procedures always carry a risk for complications. Preexisting chronic medical conditions are a contributor to the increasing rates of SMM.
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The nurse is caring for a Seventh Day Adventist woman who delivered a baby boy by cesarean section. Which of the following questions should be asked regarding this woman 's care?
- A. Would you like me to order a vegetarian clear liquid diet for you?
- B. Is there anything special you will need for your Sabbath on Sunday?
- C. Would you like to telephone your clergy to set up a date for the baptism?
- D. Will a rabbi be performing the circumcision on your baby?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Seventh Day Adventists observe the Sabbath on Saturday. The nurse should ask if special arrangements are needed for Sabbath observance.
What important assessment should the nurse perform on all postpartum persons?
- A. Screen for PPD with the EPDS.
- B. Screen for drug use with a urine drug screen.
- C. Screen for breast-feeding failure.
- D. Screen for contraception contraindications.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Screening for PPD is essential during postpartum care.
A G2 P2002, who is postpartum 6 hours from a spontaneous vaginal delivery, is assessed. The nurse notes that the fundus is firm at the umbilicus, there is heavy lochia rubra, and perineal sutures are intact. Which of the following actions should the nurse take at this time?
- A. Do nothing. This is a normal finding.
- B. Massage the woman 's fundus.
- C. Take the woman to the bathroom to void.
- D. Notify the woman 's primary health care provider.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A firm fundus at the umbilicus and heavy lochia rubra is normal during the first few hours after delivery.
The nurse is performing an assessment of the uterus 30 minutes after a normal delivery and finds the fundus to be soft and boggy. IV Pitocin is infusing at 150 mL/hr. What is the priority nursing intervention?
- A. Increase the Pitocin, assess the fundus in 15 minutes, and update the licensed provider.
- B. Perform external massage of the uterus until it is firm, assess for additional bleeding on the pad, and update the licensed provider.
- C. Notify the provider of the increase in blood loss.
- D. Assist the patient to the bathroom and reassess the fundus after the patient voids.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because a soft and boggy fundus after delivery indicates uterine atony, which can lead to postpartum hemorrhage. Performing external massage of the uterus will help stimulate contractions and firm up the fundus. Assessing for additional bleeding is crucial to monitor for hemorrhage. Updating the licensed provider is important for further management.
Choice A is incorrect because simply increasing Pitocin without addressing the uterine atony may not resolve the issue. Choice C is incorrect as notifying the provider of increased blood loss is not the immediate priority; addressing the uterine atony is. Choice D is incorrect as assisting the patient to the bathroom does not address the soft and boggy fundus issue.
The nurse works in a labor and delivery facility with new protocols for estimating postpartum blood loss. Which method for estimating blood loss is implemented in the delivery room?
- A. Ask the patient how many peripads she considered to be “soaked.”
- B. Collect blood in calibrated, under-buttocks drapes for vaginal birth.
- C. Place a basin at the foot of the delivery table to catch any blood.
- D. Rely on the primary health care provider’s estimate of blood loss.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because collecting blood in calibrated, under-buttocks drapes for vaginal birth allows for a more accurate estimation of postpartum blood loss. This method provides a quantitative measurement, unlike the subjective method in option A. Option C does not provide a direct measurement of blood loss and may not be accurate. Option D relies on the health care provider's estimate, which may not always be precise or consistent. By using calibrated drapes, the nurse can easily measure and monitor blood loss, ensuring better patient care and outcomes.