Two hours after delivery, the mother tells the nurse that she will be bottle feeding. She asks what she can do to prevent the terrible pain experienced when her milk came in with her last baby. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
- A. “Once you have recovered from the birth, I will help you bind your breasts.”
- B. “Engorgement is familial. If you had it with your last baby, it is inevitable.”
- C. “I can help you put on a supportive bra; wear one constantly for 1 to 2 weeks.”
- D. “Engorgement occurs right after birth; if you don’t have it yet, it won’t occur.”
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In comparison studies between breast binders and bras, mothers using binders experienced more engorgement and discomfort. Engorgement is not familial and not inevitable in bottle-feeding mothers. Wearing a supportive, well-fitting bra within 6 hours after birth can suppress lactation. The bra should be worn continuously, except for showering, until lactation is suppressed (usually 7 to 14 days). Signs of engorgement usually occur on the third to fifth postpartum day (not right after birth), and engorgement will spontaneously resolve by the tenth day postpartum.
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The nurse notifies the HCP after feeling a pulsating mass during the vaginal examination of a newly admitted full-term pregnant client. Which HCP order should the nurse question?
- A. Prepare for possible cesarean section.
- B. Place the client in a knee-chest position.
- C. Initiate a low-dose oxytocin IV infusion.
- D. Give terbutaline 0.25 mg subcutaneously.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse should question the administration of oxytocin (Pitocin). Oxytocin is used for stimulating contraction of the uterus. Uterine contractions can cause further umbilical cord compression. The pulsating mass indicates umbilical cord prolapse, which is a medical emergency. If vaginal birth is not imminent, a cesarean section is preferred in order to prevent hypoxic acidosis. Placing the client in a knee-chest position relieves pressure on the umbilical cord. Terbutaline (Brethine) is a tocolytic agent used to reduce contractions.
The nurse includes which activity to promote bonding with the fetus?
- A. Talking or singing to the fetus
- B. Watching television daily
- C. Avoiding fetal movement monitoring
- D. Limiting prenatal visits
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Talking or singing to the fetus promotes early bonding and stimulates fetal development.
The nurse advises the client to practice which technique to cope with labor pain?
- A. Lamaze breathing
- B. Holding her breath
- C. Tensing muscles
- D. Avoiding movement
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Lamaze breathing helps manage labor pain by promoting relaxation and focus, unlike tensing or breath-holding.
The nurse is conducting a physical assessment of the pregnant client. Which physiological cervical changes associated with pregnancy should the nurse expect to find? Select all that apply.
- A. Formation of mucus plug
- B. Chadwick’s sign
- C. Presence of colostrum
- D. Goodell’s sign
- E. Cullen’s sign
Correct Answer: A,B,D
Rationale: Cervical changes associated with pregnancy include the formation of the mucus plug. Endocervical glands secrete a thick, tenacious mucus, which accumulates and thickens to form the mucus plug that seals the endocervical canal and prevents the ascent of bacteria or other substances into the uterus. This plug is expelled when cervical dilatation begins. Cervical changes associated with pregnancy include a bluish-purple discoloration of the cervix (Chadwick’s sign) from increased vascularization. Cervical changes associated with pregnancy include the softening of the cervix (Goodell’s sign) from increased vascularization and hypertrophy and engorgement of the vessels below the growing uterus. Colostrum does occur with pregnancy but is a physiological change associated with the breasts and not with a cervical change. Cullen’s sign is a bluish discoloration of the periumbilical skin caused by intraperitoneal hemorrhage. It can occur with a ruptured ectopic pregnancy or acute pancreatitis.
The nurse correctly assists the client into which position?
- A. Lithotomy
- B. Prone
- C. Sims'
- D. Trendelenburg's
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The lithotomy position, with legs elevated and apart, is standard for pelvic examinations to provide access to the pelvic area.