A nurse is assisting a client out of bed for the first time since delivery. The client becomes frightened when she passes a large amount of lochia.
Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
'Lochia can pool in the vagina while you lie in bed.'
'You might have retained fragments of your placenta.'
'The amount of lochia increases during the postpartum period.'
'Urinary tract infections are associated with increased lochia.'
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: This is the most appropriate response because it reassures the client that the amount of lochia she passed is normal and expected after lying down for a long time. Lochia is the vaginal discharge that occurs after childbirth, consisting of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue. It usually decreases in amount and changes in color over time, from red to pink to brown to yellow.
Choice B reason: This is an incorrect response because it implies that the client has a complication that requires further evaluation. Retained placental fragments can cause excessive bleeding, infection, and uterine atony. The nurse should not alarm the client with this possibility without evidence.
Choice C reason: This is an incorrect response because it contradicts the normal patern of lochia. The amount of lochia usually decreases during the postpartum period, not increases. If the client has an increase in lochia, it could indicate a problem such as infection, subinvolution, or hemorrhage.
Choice D reason: This is an incorrect response because it confuses the client with unrelated information. Urinary tract infections are not associated with increased lochia. They are caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract and can cause symptoms such as dysuria, frequency, urgency, and hematuria. The nurse should not suggest that the client has a urinary tract infection without evidence.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Dinoprostone stimulates uterine contractions is incorrect, as this is not the primary purpose of the medication. Dinoprostone is a prostaglandin that can induce labor by ripening the cervix and enhancing uterine contractility, but it is not used solely for stimulating contractions.
Choice B reason:
Dinoprostone promotes softening of the cervix is correct, as this is the main purpose of the medication. Dinoprostone is used to prepare the cervix for labor by increasing its softness, dilation, and effacement. This can facilitate the descent of the fetus and shorten the duration of labor.
Choice C reason:
Dinoprostone relaxes uterine contractions is incorrect, as this is the opposite effect of the medication. Dinoprostone can increase uterine tone and frequency, which can help initiate or augment labor. The nurse should monitor the client for signs of uterine hyperstimulation or fetal distress.
Choice D reason:
Dinoprostone assists with ending the pregnancy is incorrect, as this is not the intended use of the medication. Dinoprostone can be used to terminate a pregnancy in some cases, such as fetal demise or missed abortion, but it is not routinely used for this purpose. The nurse should explain to the client that dinoprostone is used to induce labor and not to end a pregnancy.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Fetal head compression is incorrect, as this factor can cause early decelerations in the fetal heart rate. Early decelerations are symmetrical decreases in the FHR that mirror the contractions, which indicate fetal head compression and vagal stimulation. Fetal head compression occurs as the fetus descends into the birth canal and does not pose a threat to the fetal well-being.
Choice B reason:
Polyhydramnios is incorrect, as this factor can cause variable or late decelerations in the fetal heart rate, depending on the underlying cause. Polyhydramnios refers to an excessive amount of amniotic fluid, which can result from fetal anomalies, maternal diabetes, multiple gestation, or other conditions. Polyhydramnios can cause umbilical cord prolapse, uterine overdistension, or placental abruption, leading to reduced blood flow and oxygen delivery to the fetus.
Choice C reason:
Maternal fever is incorrect, as this factor can cause late decelerations in the fetal heart rate. Late decelerations are symmetrical decreases in the FHR that begin after the peak of the contraction and return to baseline after the contraction ends, which indicate uteroplacental insufficiency. Maternal fever can increase maternal and fetal metabolism and oxygen demand, leading to fetal hypoxia and acidosis.
Choice D reason:
Umbilical cord compression is correct, as this factor can cause variable decelerations in the fetal heart rate. Variable decelerations are abrupt decreases in the FHR that vary in onset, duration, and depth, which indicate umbilical cord compression and reduced blood flow to the fetus. Umbilical cord compression can occur due to cord prolapse, nuchal cord, short cord, or other causes. The nurse should reposition the client, administer oxygen, and prepare for delivery if indicated.
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