Nokea
Twenty-four hours post—vaginal delivery, the postpartum client tells the nurse that she is concerned because she has not had a bowel movement (BM) since before delivery. Which action should be taken by the nurse?
- A. Document the data in the client’s health care records
- B. Notify the health care provider immediately
- C. Administer a laxative that has been prescribed pm
- D. Assess the client’s abdomen and bowel sounds
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A spontaneous BM may not occur for 2 to 3 days after childbirth due to decreased muscle tone in the intestines during labor and the immediate postpartum period, possible prelabor diarrhea, and decreased food intake and dehydration during labor. Thus, documentation of the lack of a BM is the only action required. There is no need to notify the HCP for a normal finding. A laxative is unnecessary since a BM is not expected for 2 to 3 days postdelivery. Bowel sounds are not altered by a vaginal delivery, even though the passage of stool through the intestines is slowed.
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The experienced nurse instructs the new nurse that a vaginal examination should not be performed on the newly admitted client with possible grade 3 abruptio placentae. Which illustration shows the new nurse’s thinking about the uterus of the client with the grade 3 abruptio placentae?
- A. Illustration 1
- B. Illustration 2
- C. Illustration 3
- D. Illustration 4
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Illustration 4 shows severe grade 3 abruptio placentae. More than 50% of the placenta separates with concealed hemorrhage. Illustration 1 shows complete placenta previa and not abruptio placentae. Illustration 2 shows partial placenta previa and not abruptio placentae. Illustration 3 shows mild grade 1 abruptio placentae. Less than 15% of the placenta separates with concealed hemorrhage.
Before the pelvic examination, which intervention by the nurse is most appropriate?
- A. Give the client an enema.
- B. Instruct the client to urinate.
- C. Shave the client's perineum.
- D. Give the client a mild sedative.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Instructing the client to urinate ensures a comfortable examination by emptying the bladder, which can interfere with pelvic assessment.
The nurse responds that, for clients with uncomplicated pregnancies, it is usually best to plan monthly visits for the first 28 weeks and then more frequent visits following which schedule?
- A. Weekly for the remainder of the pregnancy
- B. Every 2 weeks for the remainder of the pregnancy
- C. Every 2 weeks up to 36 weeks, then weekly for the last month
- D. Weekly up to 36 weeks, then twice weekly for the last month
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Standard prenatal care involves monthly visits until 28 weeks, biweekly until 36 weeks, and weekly thereafter for uncomplicated pregnancies.
Which instruction should the nurse provide about newborn feeding?
- A. Feed on a strict schedule
- B. Breastfeed or formula-feed on demand
- C. Avoid feeding at night
- D. Offer water between feedings
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Feeding on demand supports the newborn's nutritional needs and promotes bonding and growth.
The nurse uses which tool to measure fundal height?
- A. Tape measure
- B. Doppler device
- C. Ultrasound machine
- D. Blood pressure cuff
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A tape measure is used to measure fundal height, assessing uterine growth and fetal development.