The obstetrician has ordered that a post-op cesarean section client 's patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) be discontinued. Which of the following actions by the nurse is appropriate?
- A. Discard the remaining medication in the presence of another nurse.
- B. Recommend waiting until her pain level is zero to discontinue the medicine.
- C. Discontinue the medication only after the analgesia is completely absorbed.
- D. Return the unused portion of medication to the narcotics cabinet.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When discontinuing PCA, the unused medication must be discarded in the presence of another nurse to maintain security and prevent diversion.
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What symptom can partners of persons with PPD experience?
- A. depression
- B. psychosis
- C. bipolar disorder
- D. mania
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Depression is a common symptom in partners of individuals with PPD.
Choose the best independent nursing action to aid episiotomy healing in the woman who is 24 hours postpartum.
- A. Apply antibiotic cream to the area three times each day.
- B. Squirt warm water over the perineum after voiding or stooling.
- C. Maintain cold packs to the area at all times for the first 3 days.
- D. Check the leukocyte level daily and report changes.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Squatting warm water over the perineum after voiding or stooling helps to soothe and cleanse the area, promoting healing.
The nurse continues to monitor a patient after a vaginal delivery with an estimated blood loss of 1,000 mL. Which assessment finding does the nurse recognize as requiring Stage 3 hemorrhage protocol?
- A. Increased patient restlessness.
- B. Manifestations of severe pain.
- C. Development of abnormal vital signs.
- D. Patient requests water for extreme thirst.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Vital signs will remain normal during Stages 1 and 2. The evidence of abnormal vital signs is one indicator of Stage 3 hemorrhage.
Which of the following complementary therapies can a nurse suggest to a multiparous woman who is complaining of severe afterbirth pains?
- A. Lie prone with a small pillow cushioning her abdomen.
- B. Contract her abdominal muscles for a count of ten.
- C. Slowly ambulate in the hallways.
- D. Drink ice tea with lemon or lime.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Afterbirth pains are caused by uterine contractions. Lying prone with a pillow can help reduce discomfort by applying pressure and providing support to the abdomen. Ambulating or contracting the abdominal muscles is not generally recommended in this scenario.
The nurse is preparing discharge teaching for a postpartum patient who exhibits signs and symptoms of an episiotomy infection and is on oral antibiotic therapy. Which discharge teaching will the nurse provide regarding pain management?
- A. Application of hot packs to the perineal area
- B. Information applicable to medication therapy
- C. Instructions to improve circulation by ambulating
- D. Medicating for pain above level 4 on a 0 to 10 scale
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse will need to provide applicable discharge teaching for both antibiotic and analgesic therapy. Antibiotics need to be taken as ordered and until they are gone.