A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who had a vaginal birth 2 hours ago. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? (Select all that apply.)
Document fundal height
Observe the lochia during palpation of fundus
Massage a firm fundus
Determine whether the fundus is midline
Administer terbutaline if the fundus is boggy
Correct Answer : A,B,D
Choice A:
Document fundal height. This is a correct action because the nurse should monitor the involution of the uterus by measuring the fundal height and comparing it to the expected level. The fundus should descend about one fingerbreadth (1 cm) per day after delivery and be at the level of the umbilicus immediately after birth.
Choice B:
Observe the lochia during palpation of the fundus. This is a correct action because the nurse should assess the amount, color, and consistency of the lochia (vaginal discharge) during the fundal massage. The lochia should change from rubra (red) to serosa (pink) to alba (white) over time and not increase in amount or revert to a previous stage.
Choice C:
Massage a firm fundus. This is an incorrect action because a firm fundus indicates adequate uterine contraction and involution. Massaging a firm fundus can cause discomfort and bleeding for the client. The nurse should only massage a boggy (soft) fundus to stimulate contraction and prevent hemorrhage.
Choice D:
Determine whether the fundus is midline. This is a correct action because the nurse should check if the fundus is deviated to either side, which may indicate a full bladder. A full bladder can interfere with uterine contraction and cause bleeding or infection. The nurse should assist the client to void if the fundus is not midline.
Choice E:
Administer terbutaline if the fundus is boggy. This is an incorrect action because terbutaline is a tocolytic drug that relaxes the uterine muscle and inhibits contractions. It is used to stop preterm labor, not to treat postpartum hemorrhage. The nurse should administer oxytocin or other uterotonic drugs if the fundus is boggy and does not respond to massage.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Contractions every 3 to 4 min are not a definitive sign of labor, as they can also occur in false labor or Braxton Hicks contractions. These are irregular and do not cause cervical changes.
Choice B reason:
Cervical dilation is the most reliable indicator of true labor, as it shows that the uterus is contracting effectively and preparing for delivery. Cervical dilation is measured in centimeters from 0 to 10, with 10 being fully dilated.
Choice C reason:
Pain just above the navel is not a sign of labor, but rather a possible sign of an abdominal problem such as appendicitis or gallbladder disease. Labor pain usually starts in the lower back and radiates to the abdomen and thighs.
Choice D reason:
Amniotic fluid in the vaginal vault is not a conclusive sign of labor, as it can also result from a premature rupture of membranes (PROM) or a high leak of amniotic fluid. PROM occurs when the amniotic sac breaks before the onset of labor, which can increase the risk of infection and complications for the mother and the baby.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A:
Two arteries and two veins. This is incorrect because the umbilical cord normally has only three blood vessels: one vein and two arteries. Having four blood vessels is a rare anomaly that can be associated with congenital defects. •
Choice B:
Two veins and one artery. This is incorrect because the umbilical cord normally has only one vein and two arteries. Having two veins and one artery is another rare anomaly that can also be associated with congenital defects. •
Choice C:
One artery and one vein. This is incorrect because the umbilical cord normally has two arteries and one vein. Having only one artery and one vein is a common anomaly that occurs in about 1% of singleton pregnancies and 5% of twin pregnancies. It can be associated with intrauterine growth restriction, congenital anomalies, and perinatal mortality. •
Choice D:
Two arteries and one vein. This is correct because the umbilical cord normally has two arteries and one vein. The vein carries oxygenated blood from the placenta to the fetus, while the arteries carry deoxygenated blood from the fetus to the placenta. The umbilical cord also contains Wharton's jelly, which is a gelatinous substance that protects the blood vessels from compression.
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