A nurse is assessing a client for postpartum infection. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client requires further evaluation for endometritis?
Pelvic pain
Hematuria
A localized area of breast tenderness
A moderate amount of dark red lochia with a foul odor
The Correct Answer is A
Choice a) reason: Pelvic pain is a common symptom of endometritis. The pain is typically located in the lower abdomen and may be associated with uterine tenderness upon physical examination. This symptom, especially when combined with other signs such as fever and foul-smelling lochia, strongly suggests the need for further evaluation for endometritis.
Choice b) reason: Hematuria, or blood in the urine, is not a typical symptom of endometritis. While it could be a sign of other postpartum complications, such as urinary tract infections or bladder injury during childbirth, it does not directly indicate endometritis.
Choice c) reason: A localized area of breast tenderness is more indicative of a breast infection, such as mastitis, especially if associated with breastfeeding. It is not a symptom of endometritis, which affects the uterus and not the breasts.
Choice d) reason: While foul-smelling lochia can be a sign of endometritis, the key is the presence of a foul odor. A moderate amount of dark red lochia alone, without a foul odor, is a normal finding in the immediate postpartum period. It's the transition from rubra (red) to serosa (pink/brown) to alba (yellow/white) that is expected as the uterus heals.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice a reason:
Increasing abdominal pain with a nonrelaxed uterus is not typically indicative of placenta previa. This symptom could suggest other complications such as uterine rupture or placental abruption, which are serious conditions requiring immediate medical attention.
Choice b reason:
Abdominal pain with scant red vaginal bleeding is also not a classic sign of placenta previa. While vaginal bleeding can occur in placenta previa, it is usually not associated with abdominal pain. Pain accompanied by bleeding is more suggestive of other obstetric emergencies.
Choice c reason:
Painless red vaginal bleeding is a hallmark sign of placenta previa. In placenta previa, the placenta covers the cervical os either partially or completely, leading to bleeding when the lower part of the uterus stretches and thins as part of the preparation for labor. This bleeding is typically sudden and painless and can range from light to heavy.
Choice d reason:
Intermittent abdominal pain following the passage of bloody mucus is not characteristic of placenta previa. This symptom could be associated with the normal process of losing the mucus plug as labor approaches or could indicate other conditions but is not specific to placenta previa.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Covering the cord with a sterile, moist saline dressing can help to maintain the cord's viability by preventing drying and possible infection. However, this action does not address the immediate concern of relieving pressure on the cord to restore fetal circulation.
Choice B reason:
Placing the client in the knee-chest position is the most immediate and critical action to take. This position helps to relieve pressure on the prolapsed cord, which is vital to prevent compression of the cord and maintain blood flow to the fetus. It is a recommended emergency intervention for umbilical cord prolapse.
Choice C reason:
Inserting a gloved hand into the vagina to relieve pressure on the cord is a measure that may be taken by a healthcare provider in the event of a cord prolapse. However, it is not the first action to be performed. The initial step is to change the mother's position to relieve pressure on the cord.
Choice D reason:
Preparing the client for an immediate birth is necessary because umbilical cord prolapse is an obstetric emergency that requires prompt delivery, often by cesarean section, to prevent fetal hypoxia. However, the very first action is to relieve pressure on the cord to restore fetal oxygenation while preparations for delivery are made.
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