A nurse is assessing a client for pain following a cesarean birth 24 hours ago. Which should the nurse ask to determine if a PRN pain medication is needed?
Have you noticed any swelling in your feet?
Do you notice increased cramping with breastfeeding?
Do you have any leakage from your incision?
Are you able to pass gas?
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is choice b. Do you notice increased cramping with breastfeeding?
Choice A rationale: Swelling in the feet is not directly related to the need for PRN pain medication following a cesarean birth. Swelling can be a common postpartum symptom due to fluid retention and changes in blood chemistry, but it does not specifically indicate pain that requires medication.
Choice B rationale: Increased cramping with breastfeeding is a common occurrence due to the release of oxytocin, which causes uterine contractions. This can be quite painful and may necessitate PRN pain medication to manage the discomfort.
Choice C rationale: Leakage from the incision could indicate a complication such as infection or wound dehiscence. While this is a serious concern that requires medical attention, it is not directly related to the typical pain management needs following a cesarean birth.
Choice D rationale: The ability to pass gas is an important indicator of the return of bowel function after surgery, but it is not directly related to the need for PRN pain medication. It is more relevant to assessing gastrointestinal recovery rather than pain levels.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Aspirin is generally not recommended for postpartum pain management due to its anticoagulant properties, which can increase the risk of bleeding. Furthermore, if the mother is breastfeeding, aspirin can pass into breast milk and potentially harm the baby.
Choice B rationale
Meperidine is a strong opioid medication that is typically reserved for severe pain. It is not usually the first choice for postpartum pain management due to its potential side effects and the risk of dependency.
Choice C rationale
Fentanyl citrate is a potent opioid that is typically used for severe pain and is often used in anesthesia. It is not usually used for routine postpartum pain management due to its potency and the risk of side effects and dependency.
Choice D rationale
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is commonly used for postpartum pain management. It is effective for relieving perineal pain and uterine cramping, and it is safe for use in breastfeeding mothers.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Transient strabismus, or temporary misalignment of the eyes, is not typically a symptom observed in newborns exposed to opioids during pregnancy.
Choice B rationale
Mottling, or patchy skin color, is a common physical characteristic in newborns and is not specifically associated with opioid exposure during pregnancy.
Choice C rationale
A respiratory rate of 70/min is significantly higher than the normal range for a newborn, which is typically between 30 and 60 breaths per minute. This could be a sign of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), a group of conditions caused by withdrawal from certain drugs that the newborn was exposed to in the womb.
Choice D rationale
Loose stools are not typically associated with opioid exposure during pregnancy.
Choice E rationale
Regurgitation, or spitting up, is common in newborns and is not specifically associated with opioid exposure during pregnancy.
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