A client who experienced a severe postpartum hemorrhage following the vaginal birth of twins is transferred to the postpartum unit.
The nurse knows that assessment for which complication is the highest priority for this client?
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).
Postpartum psychosis.
Hard, painful uterine afterpains.
Placenta accreta.
Placenta accreta.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a serious complication that can occur after severe postpartum hemorrhage. It involves an abnormal activation of the clotting cascade, leading to the formation of small blood clots in the vessels and can result in organ damage.
Choice B rationale
Postpartum psychosis is a rare psychiatric emergency that typically presents with delirium and mood disturbances, and it is not directly related to postpartum hemorrhage.
Choice C rationale
While hard, painful uterine afterpains can occur after childbirth, they are not the highest priority for assessment in a client who experienced a severe postpartum hemorrhage.
Choice D rationale
Placenta accreta is a condition where the placenta attaches too deeply into the uterine wall. However, it is typically identified during pregnancy or at the time of delivery, not after a postpartum hemorrhage.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Monitoring the capillary refill of the toes is crucial when a child has a long-leg cast applied. This is because it helps assess the adequacy of circulation to the foot, which can be compromised by the cast. If the capillary refill is delayed (more than 2 seconds), it could indicate poor blood flow to the area, which could lead to serious complications such as tissue necrosis.
Choice B rationale
Comparing the temperature of both legs can provide information about circulation and inflammation. However, it is not the most important action in this case. While a significant difference in temperature could indicate a problem, it is not as direct an indicator of circulatory status as capillary refill.
Choice C rationale
Observing for spontaneous movement can provide information about nerve function. If the child is not moving the toes, it could indicate nerve damage. However, lack of movement could also be due to discomfort from the cast and is not as direct an indicator of circulatory status as capillary refill.
Choice D rationale
Checking the femoral pulses can provide information about circulation to the leg. However, the femoral pulse is proximal to the cast and may not accurately reflect circulation to the foot. Therefore, it is not the most important action in this case.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Preparing a vacuum is not the first action to take in this situation. A vacuum-assisted delivery might be considered in some cases, but it’s not the immediate action when the fetal head retracts against the perineum.
Choice B rationale
Applying suprapubic pressure is the correct action. This situation describes shoulder dystocia, where the baby’s shoulder gets stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone during delivery. Suprapubic pressure can help dislodge the baby’s shoulder and allow the delivery to proceed.
Choice C rationale
Applying fundal pressure is not recommended in this situation. Fundal pressure could potentially worsen shoulder dystocia and is generally avoided.
Choice D rationale
Preparing forceps is not the immediate action to take. Forceps may be used in some delivery situations, but in the case of shoulder dystocia, other maneuvers are tried first.
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