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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Before teaching the client about the nutritional needs during pregnancy, which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
- A. Determine if the client needs to gain or lose weight.
- B. Assess the client's current eating pattern and preferences.
- C. Determine if the client knows how to accurately count calories.
- D. Develop a sample menu that includes the required nutrients.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Assessing the client's eating patterns and preferences provides a baseline for tailored nutritional education.
The laboring multigravida client’s last vaginal examination was 8/90/+1. The client now states feeling rectal pressure. Which action should the nurse perform first?
- A. Encourage the client to push.
- B. Notify the obstetrician or midwife.
- C. Help the client to the bathroom.
- D. Complete another vaginal exam.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse should first evaluate labor progress by performing another vaginal exam. Previously the client was almost fully effaced (90%), and fetal station was 1 cm below the ischial spines (+1). Rectal pressure is often due to pressure exerted during descent of the fetal presenting part. The client needs to be fully dilated (10 cm, not 8 cm) and fully effaced (100%, not 90%) before being encouraged to push. Pushing too early may cause cervical edema and lacerations and may slow the labor process. Rectal pressure may indicate that the client has progressed since the last vaginal exam. Another vaginal exam should be performed before contacting the obstetrician or midwife. During labor, rectal pressure is usually not due to the need for a bowel movement because intestinal motility decreases.
Which of the following beverages should be included in the list of unhealthy drinks to avoid? Select all that apply.
- A. Alcohol
- B. Coffee
- C. Tea
- D. Cola beverages
- E. Sports drinks
- F. Orange juice
Correct Answer: A,B,C,D
Rationale: Alcohol is harmful to the fetus, and caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea, cola) should be limited due to potential effects on fetal development.
The postpartum client delivered a full-term infant 2 days previously. The client states to the nurse, “My breasts seem to be growing, and my bra no longer fits.” Which statement should be the basis for the nurse’s response to the client’s concern?
- A. Rapid enlargement of breasts usually is a symptom of infection.
- B. Increasing breast tissue may be a sign of postpartum fluid retention.
- C. Thrombi may form in veins of the breast and cause increased breast size.
- D. Breast tissue increases in the early postpartum period as milk forms.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Infection in the breast tissue results in flulike symptoms and redness and tenderness of the breast. It is usually unilateral and does not cause bilateral breast enlargement. Fluid is not retained during the postpartum period; rather, clients experience diuresis of the excess fluid volume accumulated during pregnancy. Fullness in both breasts would not be the result of thrombi formation. Symptoms of thrombi include redness, pain, and increased skin temperature over the thrombi. Breast tissue increases as breast milk forms, so a bra that was adequate during pregnancy may no longer be adequate by the second or third postpartum day.
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.