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The postpartum client, who had a forceps-assisted vaginal birth 4 hours ago, tells the nurse that she is having continuing perineal pain rated at 7 out of 10 and rectal pressure. An oral analgesic was given and ice applied to the perineum earlier. What should the nurse do now?
- A. Call the HCP to report the pain
- B. Closely reinspect the perineum
- C. Help her out of bed to ambulate
- D. Administer a stool softener
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Reexamination of the perineum should be completed before calling the HCP to report the pain level. A forceps-assisted delivery can increase the risk of hematoma development. Rectal pressure and perineal pain can indicate a hematoma in the posterior vaginal wall. The nurse should closely examine the perineum and the vaginal introitus for ecchymosis and a bulging mass. Ambulation would not help the perineal pain. A stool softener would be appropriate to avoid constipation but would not help the immediate problem.
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The nurse correctly sends a requisition and specimen for which laboratory test?
- A. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
- B. Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)
- C. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
- D. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is the hormone tested to confirm pregnancy, as it is produced by the placenta shortly after implantation.
The nurse is caring for the pregnant client at 20 weeks’ gestation. At what level should the nurse expect to palpate the client’s uterine height?
- A. Two finger-breadths above the symphysis pubis
- B. Halfway between the symphysis pubis and the umbilicus
- C. At the level of the umbilicus
- D. Two finger-breadths above the umbilicus
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: At 20 gestational weeks, the uterus should be at the level of the umbilicus. The uterine height is too low for 20 weeks’ gestation. At 13 weeks, the uterus would be approximately two finger-breadths above the symphysis pubis. The uterine height is too low for 20 weeks’ gestation. At 16 weeks, the uterus would be approximately halfway between the umbilicus and symphysis pubis. The uterine height is too high for 20 weeks’ gestation. At 22 weeks, the uterus would be two finger-breadths above the umbilicus.
The nurse is reviewing the medication history of the client during preconception counseling. The client reports taking isotretinoin for acne. Which is the nurse’s best response?
- A. “Stop taking isotretinoin now! It can cause serious birth defects if you become pregnant.”
- B. “You need to be on some type of birth control right now. Getting pregnant is not an option.”
- C. “Talk with your HCP about changing isotretinoin before you consider becoming pregnant.”
- D. “Once you are off of isotretinoin for treating acne, you can then safely become pregnant.”
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The best response is to have the client consult her HCP so another medication can be prescribed. This response indicates that isotretinoin (Accutane) is not safe but that alternative medications can be prescribed. Responding to the client emphatically can create anxiety and fear. Telling the client that getting pregnant is not an option is a paternal response and does not facilitate open communication. Clients must wait one month after cessation of isotretinoin before becoming pregnant.
The nurse identifies which factor as increasing the risk of gestational hypertension?
- A. Low body mass index
- B. Family history of hypertension
- C. First pregnancy at age 20
- D. Vegetarian diet
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A family history of hypertension increases the risk of gestational hypertension, as genetics play a significant role.
The client in labor is requesting water therapy (hydrotherapy) to help provide pain relief and relaxation. Her recent vaginal exam was 2/50/—2. How should the nurse respond to the client’s request?
- A. “Usually we initiate hydrotherapy during active labor.”
- B. “You will not need to change positions quite as much.”
- C. “We will not be able to monitor fetal heart rate as easily.”
- D. “You can use hydrotherapy for up to 60 minutes at a time.”
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Hydrotherapy is usually initiated when the client is in active labor, at approximately 4 or 5 cm. This timing will help reduce the risk of prolonged labor and provide a welcome change when the contractions are becoming stronger and closer together. Changing position takes less effort while immersed in water, so women are encouraged to change positions more frequently to help facilitate the process of labor. FHR monitoring can be done just as easily during hydrotherapy, using a wireless external monitor, Doppler, or fetoscope. Internal electrodes can be placed during most types of hydrotherapy but is contraindicated during jet hydrotherapy. There is no time limit for laboring women to use hydrotherapy; they may stay as long as desired, unless complications develop during the labor process.