The postpartum client, who is 24 hours post—cesarean section, tells the nurse that she has much less lochial discharge after this birth than with her vaginal birth 2 years ago. The client asks if this is normal after a cesarean birth. Which statement should be the basis for the nurse’s response?
- A. A decrease in her lochia is not expected; further assessment is needed.
- B. Women usually have increased lochial discharge after cesarean births.
- C. Women normally have less lochial discharge after a cesarean birth.
- D. The lochia amount depends on whether surgery was emergent or planned.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A decrease in lochia is expected after a cesarean birth; no further assessment is needed regarding the lochial amount unless it is totally absent. A decrease in lochia is expected after a cesarean birth, not an increase. The client’s lochial discharge is usually decreased after cesarean birth because the uterus is cleaned during surgery. The amount of lochia is not dependent on whether the surgery was emergent or planned because the uterus is cleaned during surgery in both situations.
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Interventions have been prescribed by the HCP for the client with decreased fetal movement at 35 weeks’ gestation. Place the prescribed interventions in the sequence that they should be performed by the nurse.
- A. Prepare for a nonstress test
- B. Prepare for a biophysical profile
- C. Palpate for fetal movement
- D. Apply and explain the external fetal monitor
Correct Answer: C,D,A,B
Rationale: Palpate for fetal movement should be performed first. Assessment should be first to verify fetal movement. Apply and explain the external fetal monitor should be next. The fetus should be monitored for heart rate changes. Prepare for an NST. The NST is performed to determine fetal well-being. Prepare for a biophysical profile (BPP). The BPP is an assessment of five fetal biophysical variables: FHR acceleration, fetal breathing, fetal movements, fetal tone, and amniotic fluid volume. The first criterion is assessed with the NST. The other variables are assessed by ultrasound scanning.
The nurse is evaluating a breastfeeding session. The nurse determines that the infant has appropriately latched on to the mother’s breast when which observations are made? Select all that apply.
- A. The mother reports a firm tugging feeling on her nipple.
- B. A smacking sound is heard each time the baby sucks.
- C. The infant’s mouth covers only the mother’s nipple.
- D. The baby’s nose, mouth, and chin are touching the breast.
- E. The infant’s cheeks are rounded when sucking.
- F. The infant’s swallowing can be heard after sucking.
Correct Answer: A,D,E,F
Rationale: If the latch is correct, the mother should feel only a firm tugging and not pain or pinching when the infant sucks. A smacking or clicking noise heard when the infant sucks is an indication that the latch is incorrect and that the infant’s tongue may be inappropriately placed. Sucking only on the mother’s nipple will cause sore nipples, and milk will not be ejected from the milk ducts. When an infant is correctly latched to the breast, 2 to 3 centimeters (1/3 to 3/4 inch) of areola should be covered by the infant’s mouth. If this occurs, it will result in the infant’s nose, mouth, and chin touching the breast. When the infant is latched correctly, the cheeks will be rounded rather than dimpled. When the infant is latched correctly, the swallowing will be audible.
The nurse is teaching the client who is wishing to travel by airplane during the first 36 weeks of her pregnancy. Which is the primary risk of air travel for this client that the nurse should address?
- A. Risk of preterm labor
- B. Deep vein thrombosis
- C. Spontaneous abortion
- D. Nausea and vomiting
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary risk with air travel during pregnancy is DVT. Pregnancy increases the risk of blood coagulation, and prolonged sitting produces venous stasis. Preterm labor is not associated with air travel. The threat of spontaneous abortion diminishes during the second trimester. Spontaneous abortion is not associated with air travel. Although nausea and vomiting can occur, they are not dangerous.
Where can the nurse expect to palpate the fundus at this time?
- A. Just above the symphysis pubis
- B. Just below the xiphoid process
- C. Near the level of the umbilicus
- D. Just below the symphysis pubis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: At 20 weeks' gestation, the fundus is typically palpated near the level of the umbilicus, reflecting uterine growth.
The nurse observes a sinusoidal FHR pattern on the monitor tracing. How should the nurse interpret this pattern?
- A. The fetus may be in a sleep state.
- B. Congenital anomalies are possible.
- C. This may indicate severe fetal anemia.
- D. This predicts normal fetal well-being.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A sinusoidal pattern, which is Drag and Drop, smooth, undulating, and uncommon, classically occurs with severe fetal anemia as a result of abnormal perinatal conditions. An FHR pattern having minimal variability (not a sinusoidal pattern) might indicate that the fetus is in a sleep state. Absent or minimal variability, not a sinusoidal FHR pattern, could indicate possible congenital anomalies. Moderate variability of the FHR (not a sinusoidal pattern) reflects normal fetal well-being.