The nurse is educating the postpartum client. Which prevention strategies for postpartum depression should the nurse include? Select all that apply.
- A. Attend a support group that has other postpartum women.
- B. Use the baby’s nap time to complete household chores.
- C. Keep a journal of feelings during the postpartum period.
- D. Call the HCP if feelings of sadness do not subside quickly.
- E. Develop a daily schedule of activities, and follow the plan.
Correct Answer: A,C,D,E
Rationale: A postpartum support group can be a place where realistic information about postpartum depression can be discussed and symptoms recognized. Fatigue is a major concern for all postpartum women. Clients should be encouraged to nap when their infant is napping rather than using that time for other activities. Keeping a journal can be emotionally cathartic and can help prevent postpartum depression. Postpartum mothers should be encouraged to call their HCPs if symptoms of postpartum depression, such as feelings of sadness, do not subside quickly or if the symptoms become severe. Structuring activity with a schedule helps counteract inertia that comes with feeling sad or unsettled.
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Which pregnant client should the nurse encourage to undergo hepatitis B testing?
- A. A client with a history of cigarette smoking
- B. A client who is a health care worker
- C. A client who emigrated in the past year from Haiti
- D. A client who was recently exposed to Haemophilus influenzae
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Clients from high-prevalence areas like Haiti are at higher risk for hepatitis B, warranting testing during pregnancy.
When the nurse discusses the tasks to be accomplished during the client's visit at 24 weeks' gestation, which routine test will be performed?
- A. Coombs' test
- B. Glucose tolerance test
- C. Urinalysis
- D. Rubella titer
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The glucose tolerance test is routinely performed around 24-28 weeks to screen for gestational diabetes.
The oncoming shift nurse assesses the fundus of the postpartum client 6 hours after a vaginal birth and finds that it is firm. When the nurse then assists the client out of bed for the first time, blood begins to run down the client’s leg. Which action by the nurse in response to the client’s bleeding is correct?
- A. Explain that extra bleeding can occur with initial standing
- B. Immediately assist the client back into bed
- C. Push the emergency call light in the room
- D. Call the HCP to report this increased bleeding
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Lochia normally pools in the vagina when the postpartum client remains in a recumbent position for any length of time. When the client then stands, gravity causes the blood to flow out. As long as the nurse knows the fundus is firm and not bleeding, a simple explanation to the client is all that is required. There is no reason to return the client to bed; the fundus is firm. There is no reason to push the emergency call light. Increased bleeding is an expected response when standing for the first time. There is no reason to call the HCP.
If this nurse is similar to other women experiencing fatigue, which suggestions for decreasing fatigue should be implemented? Select all that apply.
- A. Use break and lunch periods for resting.
- B. Void every 2 hours.
- C. Eat foods high in carbohydrates.
- D. Schedule work days close together.
- E. Refrain from working overtime.
- F. Get at least 12 hours of sleep per night.
Correct Answer: A,E
Rationale: Resting during breaks and avoiding overtime reduce fatigue; 12 hours of sleep is excessive, and voiding or carbs do not directly address fatigue.
The nurse monitors which vital sign closely in a client with gestational diabetes?
- A. Blood pressure
- B. Respiratory rate
- C. Pulse rate
- D. Temperature
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Blood pressure monitoring is crucial in gestational diabetes, as it increases the risk of preeclampsia.
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