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.
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The nurse prepares the client for which pain management option during labor?
- A. Epidural anesthesia
- B. Hot baths during active labor
- C. Over-the-counter pain relievers
- D. No pain relief options
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Epidural anesthesia is a common and effective pain management option during labor, tailored to the client's needs.
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.
The 39-year-old client with type 1 DM presents at 36 weeks’ gestation with Drag and Drop contractions. An HCP decides to do an amniocentesis. Which statement best supports why the nurse and NA should prepare the client for an amniocentesis now?
- A. Diabetic women have a higher incidence of birth defects, and the HCP wants to determine if a birth defect is present.
- B. The client is over 35, at 36 weeks’ gestation with Drag and Drop contractions, and is at risk for chromosomal disorders.
- C. An amniocentesis performed at 36 weeks’ gestation is being completed to determine if the fetal lungs have matured.
- D. The amniocentesis is more accurate than the fetal fibronectin test in determining if delivery is imminent.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Infants of diabetic mothers are less likely to have mature lung capacity at 36 weeks; knowing lung maturity can influence whether delivery should proceed. In mid pregnancy, the cells in amniotic fluid can be studied for genetic abnormalities such as Down’s syndrome and birth defects, but amniocentesis would not be performed for this purpose when the client is in preterm labor. Many women over the age of 35 have amniocentesis completed to test for chromosomal disorders, but not this late in the pregnancy. Fetal fibronectin testing is used to determine if a preterm birth is likely, but it cannot be used to determine lung maturity.
The nurse advises the client to perform which exercise to strengthen pelvic floor muscles?
- A. Kegel exercises
- B. High-impact aerobics
- C. Sit-ups
- D. Weightlifting
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Kegel exercises strengthen pelvic floor muscles, aiding postpartum recovery and preventing incontinence.
The oncoming shift nurse assesses the fundus of the postpartum client 6 hours after a vaginal birth and finds that it is firm. When the nurse then assists the client out of bed for the first time, blood begins to run down the client’s leg. Which action by the nurse in response to the client’s bleeding is correct?
- A. Explain that extra bleeding can occur with initial standing
- B. Immediately assist the client back into bed
- C. Push the emergency call light in the room
- D. Call the HCP to report this increased bleeding
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Lochia normally pools in the vagina when the postpartum client remains in a recumbent position for any length of time. When the client then stands, gravity causes the blood to flow out. As long as the nurse knows the fundus is firm and not bleeding, a simple explanation to the client is all that is required. There is no reason to return the client to bed; the fundus is firm. There is no reason to push the emergency call light. Increased bleeding is an expected response when standing for the first time. There is no reason to call the HCP.