A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who gave birth 3 days ago.
Complete the diagram by dragging from the choices below to specify what condition the client is most likely experiencing, 2 actions the nurse should take to address that condition, and 2 parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client's progress.
The Correct Answer is []
- Potential Condition: Endometritis. The symptoms of malaise, chills, decreased appetite, elevated temperature, tachycardia, a boggy and tender uterus, and foul-smelling lochia are indicative of a postpartum infection, such as endometritis.
- Actions to Take:
- Monitor the lochia amount and odor: This will help assess the presence of infection and the effectiveness of treatment.
- Assist with the administration of prescribed antibiotics: Antibiotics are the primary treatment for endometritis.
- Parameters to Monitor:
- Temperature: Monitoring for fever can help assess the response to treatment and indicate if the infection is resolving or worsening.
- Heart rate: Tachycardia may be a sign of infection or other complications, so it's important to monitor changes in heart rate.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is []
Explanation
- Potential Condition: Hypoglycemia
- Rationale: The jitteriness and weak cry can be signs of hypoglycemia, which is common in newborns, especially those with higher birth weights or whose mothers have diabetes or, in this case, a history of substance use during pregnancy.
Actions to Take:
1. Reinforce with the parent to feed the newborn: Feeding can help to stabilize the newborn's blood sugar levels.
2. Anticipate a prescription to obtain a capillary blood sample: This will confirm the diagnosis by measuring the newborn's blood glucose levels.
Parameters to Monitor:
1. Temperature: To ensure the newborn maintains a normal body temperature, as hypothermia can be associated with hypoglycemia.
2. Respiratory status: To monitor for any changes that could indicate worsening of the condition or other complications.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Blood pressure 156/80 mm Hg is incorrect. While this blood pressure reading is elevated, hypertension is not a typical immediate sign of postpartum hemorrhage. Hemorrhage is more commonly associated with hypotension (low blood pressure) due to fluid loss.
B. Temperature 38.3° C (101° F) is incorrect. A mild fever may be common in the first 24 hours postpartum due to normal inflammatory responses. It is not specifically indicative of postpartum hemorrhage, though a persistent fever could indicate an infection.
C. Respiratory rate 32/min is correct. An increased respiratory rate can be a sign of hypovolemia (due to significant blood loss), which may occur with postpartum hemorrhage. The body compensates for decreased blood volume by increasing the respiratory rate.
D. Apical pulse 66/min is incorrect. A heart rate of 66/min is within normal limits and would not be indicative of postpartum hemorrhage. In fact, a tachycardic (elevated) heart rate is more concerning in the case of hemorrhage as the body tries to compensate for blood loss.
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