A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who is 3 hours postpartum and reports complete saturation of their perineal pad in the past 30 minutes. Which of the following actions is the highest priority?
Perform fundal massage
Weigh the perineal pad
Apply oxygen by face mask
Monitor urine output
The Correct Answer is A
(A) Perform fundal massage:
Performing fundal massage is the highest priority action in this scenario. Complete saturation of the perineal pad within 30 minutes postpartum suggests excessive bleeding, which could indicate postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Fundal massage helps to stimulate uterine contractions, which can aid in controlling bleeding by compressing blood vessels at the placental site. It is essential to assess the fundus for firmness and position and massage it if necessary, to prevent or manage PPH.
(B) Weigh the perineal pad:
Weighing the perineal pad can provide information about the amount of blood loss, but it is not the highest priority action at this moment. Fundal massage takes precedence to address the potential underlying cause of excessive bleeding.
(C) Apply oxygen by face mask:
While oxygen therapy may be indicated in certain situations, such as respiratory distress, it is not the highest priority in this scenario. The priority is to address the potential cause of excessive bleeding and prevent further complications associated with postpartum hemorrhage.
(D) Monitor urine output:
Monitoring urine output is an important aspect of postpartum care, but it is not the highest priority when the client is experiencing excessive bleeding. Addressing the potential cause of bleeding and preventing complications associated with postpartum hemorrhage take precedence.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
(A) A client who smokes one pack of cigarettes per day:
While smoking is a significant risk factor for many health issues, including cardiovascular disease, it is not a direct contraindication for the use of an intrauterine device (IUD). However, smokers should be counseled about the risks of smoking and offered support to quit.
(B) A client who has a history of gallbladder disease:
A history of gallbladder disease does not contraindicate the use of an IUD. IUDs are primarily contraindicated in cases of active pelvic infection, certain uterine abnormalities, and confirmed pregnancy, but not gallbladder disease.
(C) A client who has a positive pregnancy test:
An IUD should not be inserted in a client who has a positive pregnancy test. Inserting an IUD during pregnancy can lead to complications such as infection, miscarriage, and preterm birth. It is crucial to confirm the absence of pregnancy before IUD insertion.
(D) A client who is nulliparous:
Being nulliparous (having never given birth) is not a contraindication for IUD use. IUDs can be safely used by nulliparous women, though some might have a slightly higher risk of expulsion or insertion-related discomfort compared to women who have given birth.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
(a) "You will need to receive a medroxyprogesterone acetate injection once per month."
Medroxyprogesterone acetate injections (Depo-Provera) are administered every three months (every 12 weeks), not monthly. This statement is incorrect and could lead to confusion about the correct usage of this contraceptive method.
(b) "Combined estrogen-progestin contraceptive pills cause longer periods."
Combined estrogen-progestin contraceptive pills typically result in shorter, lighter, and more regular periods, rather than longer ones. This statement is incorrect and misrepresents the effects of combined oral contraceptives on menstrual cycles.
(c) "Oral contraceptives decrease the risk for endometrial cancer."
This statement is correct. Oral contraceptives, particularly those containing both estrogen and progestin, are known to decrease the risk of endometrial cancer. This is an important benefit of using oral contraceptives and is a factual statement that should be included in the teaching.
(d) "You will need to have your diaphragm replaced every 4 years."
A diaphragm typically needs to be replaced every 2 years, not every 4 years. Additionally, a diaphragm should be refitted if there are significant changes in weight, childbirth, or abdominal/pelvic surgery. This statement is incorrect regarding the replacement timeline.
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