The nurse observes the postpartum multiparous client rubbing her abdomen. When asked if she is having pain, the client says, “It feels like menstrual cramps.” Which intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Offer a warm blanket for her to place on her abdomen.
- B. Encourage her to lie on her stomach until the cramps stop.
- C. Instruct the client to avoid ambulation while having pain.
- D. Check her lochia flow; pain sometimes precedes hemorrhage.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Heat application to the abdomen should be avoided; it may cause uterine muscle relaxation. Multiparous women frequently experience intermittent uterine contractions called afterpains. Lying in a prone position applies pressure to the uterus, stimulating continuous uterine contraction. When the uterus maintains a state of contraction, the afterpains will cease. Ambulation has been shown to decrease muscle pain and should not be avoided. Afterpains are not a symptom of potential postpartum hemorrhage.
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The first-trimester pregnant client asks the nurse if the activities in which she participates are safe in the first trimester. Which activity should the nurse verify as a safe activity during the client’s first trimester?
- A. Hair coloring
- B. Hot tub use
- C. Pesticide use
- D. Sexual activity
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Sexual activity is not contraindicated in pregnancy unless a specific risk factor is identified. Hair coloring should be avoided in the first trimester because the chemicals can be absorbed and pose a risk to the developing fetus. Hot tub use should be avoided because it increases the client’s body temperature. Maternal hyperthermia during the first trimester raises concerns about possible spontaneous abortion, CNS defects, and failure of neural tube closure. Exposure to pesticides during pregnancy increases the risk for preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction, childhood developmental delays, and infertility later in adulthood.
The postpartum client’s blood type is A negative, and her newborn infant’s blood type is AB negative. The client received RhoGAM in her second trimester and another dose in her third trimester, after a minor car accident. The client is preparing for discharge and asks the nurse when she will receive her RhoGAM injection. The nurse correctly responds with which statement?
- A. “You already received two doses of RhoGAM and do not need an additional dose.”
- B. “I will give your last dose of RhoGAM today, before you are discharged to home.”
- C. “You and your baby have negative blood types; a dose of RhoGAM is not needed.”
- D. “RhoGAM would have been already given while you were in the delivery room.”
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The number of RhoGAM doses given in pregnancy does not affect whether or not the client receives a dose postpartum. Both the client and newborn are Rh negative; no dose is required. Rh immune globulin (RhoGAM) is administered to women with Rh negative blood types at approximately 28 weeks of gestation and again after any trauma, such as a car accident or fall. After delivery, RhoGAM is only indicated if the newborn has a positive blood type; both the client and newborn are Rh negative. For postpartum clients who require RhoGAM, the dose is given within 72 hours of delivery. However, no dose is necessary because the client and newborn are both Rh negative.
The nurse is caring for the antepartum client with a velamentous cord insertion. The client asks what symptom she would most likely experience first if one of the vessels should tear. The nurse should respond that she would most likely experience which symptom first?
- A. Vaginal bleeding
- B. Abdominal cramping
- C. Uterine contractions
- D. Placental abruption
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In a velamentous cord insertion, vessels of the cord divide some distance from the placenta in the placental membrane. Thus, the most likely first symptom would be vaginal bleeding. Abdominal cramping is unlikely to occur; velamentous cord insertion is not related to uterine activity. Contractions are unlikely to occur; velamentous cord insertion is not related to uterine activity. An abruption, when the placenta comes off the uterine wall, results in severe abdominal pain.
Which assessment finding best indicates the presence of this condition?
- A. Painful blisters on the labia
- B. Heavy, grayish white discharge
- C. Milky white discharge that smells like fish
- D. Thick, white, curdlike vaginal discharge
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Chlamydia often presents with heavy, grayish-white discharge, unlike the other options, which suggest different infections.
The nurse is screening prenatal clients who may be carriers for potential genetic abnormalities. Which ethnic group should the nurse identify as having the lowest risk for hemoglobinopathies, such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia?
- A. African descent
- B. Southeast Asian descent
- C. Scandinavian descent
- D. Mediterranean descent
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Individuals of Scandinavian descent are not an identified risk group for hemoglobinopathies. Individuals of African descent are at risk for hemoglobinopathies and should be offered carrier screening. Individuals of Southeast Asian descent are at risk for hemoglobinopathies and should be offered carrier screening. Individuals of Mediterranean descent are at risk for hemoglobinopathies and should be offered carrier screening.