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The student nurse reports to an experienced nurse finding a warm, red, tender area on the left calf of the client who is 48 hours post—vaginal delivery. The nurse assesses the client and explains to the student that postpartum clients are at increased risk for thrombophlebitis due to which factors? Select all that apply.
- A. The fibrinogen levels in the blood of postpartum clients are elevated.
- B. Fluids normally shift from the interstitial to the intravascular space.
- C. Postpartum hormonal shifts irritate vascular basement membranes.
- D. Pressure is placed on the legs when elevated in stirrups during delivery.
- E. Dilation of veins in the lower extremities occurs during pregnancy.
- F. Compression of the common iliac vein occurs during pregnancy.
Correct Answer: A,D,E,F
Rationale: During pregnancy, fibrinogen levels increase, and this increase continues to be present in the postpartum period. The increased levels can contribute to clot formation. There is not a shift of fluid from the interstitial to the vascular spaces in the postpartum period. Actual blood volume increases during pregnancy and is further increased immediately after delivery. This fluid volume is eventually lost through diuresis during the first postpartum week. Postpartum hormonal changes do occur, but they do not affect the vascular basement membranes. Elevation of the legs in stirrups during delivery leads to pooling of blood and vascular stasis. Dilation of the veins in the lower extremities occurs during pregnancy and increases the risk of venous stasis. Compression of the common iliac vein occurs during pregnancy due to an enlarging fetus and increases the risk of venous stasis.
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Which clients are most likely to be identified as being at high risk for pregnancy complications? Select all that apply.
- A. A client who is pregnant for the fifth time
- B. A client who is 16 years old
- C. A client who has a history of twins in the family
- D. A client who has primary hypertensive disease
- E. A client who works 40 hours a week in a factory
- F. A client who reports spotting in the first trimester
Correct Answer: A,B,D,F
Rationale: Multiple pregnancies, young age, hypertension, and spotting increase complication risks; twins or work hours are less significant.
The nurse is preparing to administer 2 mg hydromorphone hydrochloride to the client who is 28 hours post—cesarean section. The medication available is in a concentration of 4 mg/mL. How many milliliters should the nurse administer?
- A. 0.5 mL
- B. 1.0 mL
- C. 2.0 mL
- D. 4.0 mL
Correct Answer: 0.5 mL
Rationale: (2 mg / 4 mg) x 1 mL = 0.5 mL. The nurse should administer 0.5 mL hydromorphone hydrochloride (Dilaudid).
The pregnant client asks the nurse, who is teaching a prepared childbirth class, when she should expect to feel fetal movement. The nurse responds that fetal movement usually can first be felt during which time frame?
- A. 8 to 12 weeks of pregnancy
- B. 12 to 16 weeks of pregnancy
- C. 18 to 20 weeks of pregnancy
- D. 22 to 26 weeks of pregnancy
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Subtle fetal movement (quickening) can be felt as early as 18 to 20 weeks of gestation, and it gradually increases in intensity. Eight to 12 weeks of pregnancy is too early to expect the first fetal movement to be felt. Twelve to 16 weeks of pregnancy is too early to expect the first fetal movement to be felt. Twenty-two to 26 weeks of pregnancy is later than expected to feel the first fetal movement.
The laboring client is at 5/100/0, RCA, and having difficulty coping with her contractions. She does not want an epidural analgesia or medications. How can the nurse best assist the client and her partner at this time?
- A. Apply counter pressure to sacral area with a firm object.
- B. Implement effleurage (light massage) of the abdomen.
- C. Provide a quiet, calm, and relaxed labor environment.
- D. Re-emphasize modified-paced breathing techniques.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Breathing techniques provide distraction, reduce pain perception, and help the client maintain control during labor. The modified-paced breathing technique is usually more effective during active labor (4—7 cm). The client is at 5 cm. The modified-paced technique is performed at about twice the normal breathing rate and requires that the client remain alert and concentrate fully on her breathing. Counter pressure can be helpful to cope with internal pressure sensations and pain in the lower back when the fetus is in posterior position. The fetus is ROA or right occiput anterior position. Effleurage can distract from contraction pain during the latent phase of the first stage of labor. This client is in active labor, and as labor progresses, hyperesthesia occurs, increasing the likelihood that effleurage will be uncomfortable and less effective. Providing a quiet, calm, and relaxed labor environment should be part of the nursing responsibilities to help the client cope with contractions, but this is not the best option.
The nurse is assessing the Hispanic client who is in the active stage of labor. Which is the most crucial information that the nurse should assess related to the client’s ethnicity and stage of labor?
- A. Choice of pain control measures
- B. Desire for hot or cold fluids
- C. Persons to be in the room during labor and birth
- D. Desire for circumcision if a male infant is born
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Because cultural variations exist in pain control measures used and pain tolerance, the most crucial assessment in the active stage of labor is the client’s choice of pain control measures. A desire for hot or cold fluids is an important aspect that should be determined during the early stage of labor. Determination of support persons is an important aspect that should be made during the early stage of labor. The desire for circumcision is an important consideration, but it is not the primary need during the active stage of labor.