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.
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The nurse receives report for four postpartum clients. In which order should the nurse assess the clients? Prioritize the clients in order from first to last.
- A. The client who had a normal, spontaneous vaginal delivery 30 minutes ago.
- B. The client who had a cesarean section 48 hours ago and is bottle feeding her newborn infant.
- C. The client who had a vaginal delivery 32 hours ago and is having difficulty breastfeeding.
- D. The client who delivered her newborn via scheduled C-section 8 hours ago and has a PCA pump with morphine for pain control.
Correct Answer: A,D,C,B
Rationale: The client who had a normal, spontaneous vaginal delivery 30 minutes ago is priority. The first 2 hours after delivery is a time of transition, characterized by rapid changes in hemodynamic and physiological state for both the client and her newborn. The client who delivered her newborn via scheduled C-section 8 hours ago and has a PCA pump with morphine for pain control should be assessed next. Although she is 8 hours postpartum and probably stable, she is receiving morphine, and her respiratory status should be monitored Drag and Droply. The client who had a vaginal delivery 32 hours ago and is having difficulty breastfeeding should be assessed next. Newborn infants should successfully breastfeed every 2—3 hours. Failing to breastfeed with adequate amount and frequency may lead to newborn complications such as excessive weight loss and jaundice. The client who had a cesarean section 48 hours ago and is bottle feeding her newborn infant should be seen last; there is nothing indicating urgency.
The nurse notifies the HCP after feeling a pulsating mass during the vaginal examination of a newly admitted full-term pregnant client. Which HCP order should the nurse question?
- A. Prepare for possible cesarean section.
- B. Place the client in a knee-chest position.
- C. Initiate a low-dose oxytocin IV infusion.
- D. Give terbutaline 0.25 mg subcutaneously.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse should question the administration of oxytocin (Pitocin). Oxytocin is used for stimulating contraction of the uterus. Uterine contractions can cause further umbilical cord compression. The pulsating mass indicates umbilical cord prolapse, which is a medical emergency. If vaginal birth is not imminent, a cesarean section is preferred in order to prevent hypoxic acidosis. Placing the client in a knee-chest position relieves pressure on the umbilical cord. Terbutaline (Brethine) is a tocolytic agent used to reduce contractions.
The laboring client presents with ruptured membranes, frequent contractions, and bloody show. She reports a greenish discharge for 2 days. Place the nurse’s actions in the order that they should be completed.
- A. Perform a sterile vaginal exam
- B. Assess the client thoroughly
- C. Obtain fetal heart tones
- D. Notify the health care provider
Correct Answer: C,A,B,D
Rationale: Obtain FHT should be first. The client has ruptured membranes with greenish fluid, and the fetus could be experiencing nonreassuring fetal status. Perform a sterile vaginal exam to determine labor progression. Assess the client thoroughly. This needs to be completed prior to notifying the HCP with the information. Notify the HCP is last of the options. Assessment findings would need to be reported to the HCP. The client should then be moved into an inpatient room.
The 28-year-old pregnant client (G3P2) has just been diagnosed with gestational diabetes at 30 weeks. The client asks what types of complications may occur with this diagnosis. Which complications should the nurse identify as being associated with gestational diabetes? Select all that apply.
- A. Seizures
- B. Large-for-gestational-age infant
- C. Low-birth-weight infant
- D. Congenital anomalies
- E. Preterm labor
Correct Answer: B,D
Rationale: Infants of diabetic mothers can be large as a result of excess glucose to the fetus. Congenital anomalies are more common in diabetic pregnancies. Seizures do not occur as a result of diabetes but can be associated with preeclampsia, another pregnancy complication. Infants of diabetic mothers are usually large for gestational age and do not have a low birth weight. Preterm labor is not typically associated with maternal diabetes.
The nurse advises the client to practice which technique to cope with labor pain?
- A. Lamaze breathing
- B. Holding her breath
- C. Tensing muscles
- D. Avoiding movement
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Lamaze breathing helps manage labor pain by promoting relaxation and focus, unlike tensing or breath-holding.