A nurse in a clinic is caring for a client who is 3 weeks postpartum following the birth of a healthy newborn. The client reports feeling "down” and sad, having no energy, and wanting to cry.
Which of the following is a priority action by the nurse?
Assist the family to identify prior use of positive coping skills in family crises.
Ask the client if she has considered harming her newborn.
Anticipate a prescription by the provider for an antidepressant.
Reinforce postpartum and newborn care discharge teaching.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Assisting the family in identifying prior coping skills is a valuable nursing intervention, but it is not the priority action in this situation. The client's feelings of sadness and lack of energy raise concerns about postpartum depression, and the nurse should address potential harm to the newborn first.
Choice B rationale:
This is the priority action by the nurse. The client's symptoms are indicative of postpartum depression, and the nurse must assess if she has considered harming her newborn. This assessment is crucial for the safety and well-being of both the mother and the baby.
Choice C rationale:
Anticipating a prescription for an antidepressant may be appropriate once a proper assessment and diagnosis are made, but it is not the priority action at this stage. Assessing for potential harm to the newborn takes precedence.
Choice D rationale:
Reinforcing postpartum and newborn care discharge teaching is essential for the client's well- being. However, it is not the priority action when the client is showing signs of postpartum depression and possible harm to the newborn.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Polyuria is not an adverse effect of epidural anesthesia. It is unrelated to this type of pain control.
Choice B rationale:
Hypertension is not an adverse effect of epidural anesthesia. Epidurals can actually cause a decrease in blood pressure due to vasodilation.
Choice C rationale:
This is the correct choice. Pruritus, or itching, is a common adverse effect of epidural anesthesia caused by the release of histamines from local anesthetics.
Choice D rationale:
Dry mouth is not an adverse effect of epidural anesthesia. Dry mouth is more commonly associated with general anesthesia or medications with anticholinergic effects.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Fetal hypoxemia is associated with late decelerations in the fetal heart rate (FHR) tracing. It occurs when the fetus experiences a decreased supply of oxygen, typically due to placental insufficiency or maternal hypotension.
Choice B rationale:
Cord compression can lead to variable decelerations in the FHR tracing. It occurs when the umbilical cord is compressed, restricting blood flow to the fetus temporarily.
Choice C rationale:
Uteroplacental insufficiency causes late decelerations in the FHR tracing. It refers to an inadequate blood flow between the uterus and placenta, resulting in reduced oxygen supply to the fetus.
Choice D rationale:

Head compression is the correct answer for early decelerations in the FHR tracing. It happens during contractions when the fetal head is compressed by the maternal pelvis, leading to a temporary vagal response that slows the heart rate.
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