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.
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What is the most common reason for late postpartum hemorrhage (PPH)?
- A. Subinvolution of the uterus
- B. Defective vascularity of the decidua
- C. Cervical lacerations
- D. Coagulation disorders
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Subinvolution of the uterus. This is the most common cause of late postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) due to incomplete contraction and retraction of the uterus leading to persistent bleeding. Subinvolution can result from retained placental fragments, uterine infections, or inadequate involution. Choice B, defective vascularity of the decidua, is less common and not typically associated with late PPH. Cervical lacerations (Choice C) usually cause immediate bleeding after delivery, not late PPH. Coagulation disorders (Choice D) can cause both early and late PPH but are less common than subinvolution.
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: Collecting blood in calibrated, under-buttocks drapes for vaginal birth and then weighing the drapes is the easiest way to estimate blood loss in the delivery room.
The nurse and provider estimate the blood loss at delivery to be 400 mL in the measuring drape; now when doing the initial perineal care, the nurse finds a large amount of blood underneath the patient. What action reflects safe and accurate nursing care?
- A. Estimate the amount of blood loss from the sheet and client clothing, and notify the physician.
- B. Encourage the mother to report any additional bleeding or clots.
- C. Draw the ordered hematocrit and notify the provider if the result is less than 28.
- D. Weigh the blood-soaked linens and notify the provider of the additional blood loss.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Weighing the blood-soaked linens provides an accurate measurement of the additional blood loss, which is crucial for assessing the patient's condition accurately. Here's the rationale step-by-step:
1. Weighing the blood-soaked linens is an objective and precise method to quantify the additional blood loss.
2. This measurement helps to determine the total blood loss accurately, which is essential for assessing postpartum hemorrhage.
3. Providing this quantitative data to the provider enables them to make informed decisions about further interventions.
4. Estimating blood loss visually is subjective and can be inaccurate, leading to potential underestimation or overestimation.
5. Drawing hematocrit levels (choice C) may provide valuable information but does not directly address the immediate need to quantify the additional blood loss.
6. Encouraging the mother to report bleeding (choice B) is important for ongoing assessment but does not provide an objective measurement of the blood loss.
In summary
The nurse is developing a plan of care for the postpartum client during the 'taking in ' phase. Which of the following should the nurse include in the plan?
- A. Teach baby-care skills like diapering.
- B. Discuss the labor and birth with the mother.
- C. Discuss contraceptive choices with the mother.
- D. Teach breastfeeding skills like pumping.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During the 'taking in' phase, the mother is focused on her own recovery and reliving the birth experience. Discussing the labor and birth is appropriate at this time.
The nurse educates the person with a newborn in the NICU. What guidance does the nurse provide?
- A. Breast milk is not good for a premature baby.
- B. Premature babies breast-feed easily.
- C. Skin-to-skin contact helps both baby and breast-feeding person.
- D. A bottle is recommended for all feedings.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Skin-to-skin contact enhances bonding promotes successful breastfeeding and stabilizes the baby's physiological status.