Maternal NCLEX Related

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The nurse is caring for four postpartum clients. Which client should be the nurse’s priority for monitoring for uterine atony?

  • A. Client who is 2 hours post-cesarean birth for a breech baby
  • B. Client who delivered a macrosomic baby after a 12-hour labor
  • C. Client who has a firm fundus after a vaginal delivery 4 hours ago
  • D. Client receiving oxytocin intravenously for past 2 hours
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Although the client post—cesarean birth for a breech baby may be at risk for uterine atony and should be monitored, the client who delivered a macrosomic baby is more at risk. This client is the nurse’s priority for monitoring for uterine atony. A macrosomic baby stretches the client’s uterus, and thus the muscle fibers of the myometrium, beyond the usual pregnancy size. After delivery the muscles are unable to contract effectively. A firm fundus indicates that the client’s uterine muscles are contracting. Oxytocin (Pitocin) is being administered to increase uterine contractions. Although prolonged use of oxytocin can result in uterine exhaustion, two hours of use is not prolonged.