A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who had an epidural anesthesia block during the early stages of labor. The client's blood pressure is 80/40 mm Hg and the fetal heart recording is 140/min. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Place the client in a lateral position.

Notify the provider.

Increase IV ﬂuid rate.

Elevate the legs.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason:
Placing the client in a lateral position is the first action the nurse should take, as it can improve maternal and fetal circulation by relieving pressure on the inferior vena cava. The client's blood pressure is low, which can indicate hypotension due to epidural anesthesia or supine hypotension syndrome.

Choice B reason:
Notifying the provider is an important action, as it can facilitate further interventions and monitoring for the client and the fetus. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take, as it does not address the immediate problem of hypotension.

Choice C reason:
Increasing IV ﬂuid rate is an important action, as it can expand blood volume and increase blood pressure. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take, as it may not be eﬀective if the client is in a supine position.

Choice D reason:
Elevating the legs is an important action, as it can enhance venous return and increase blood pressure. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take, as it may worsen supine hypotension syndrome by increasing pressure on the inferior vena cava.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Expressions of excitement are typical during the dependent, taking-in phase, which lasts for the first 24 to 48 hr after delivery. The client may relive and review her labor and delivery experience, and may need reassurance and validation from others.

Choice B reason:

Lack of appetite is not an expected finding during the dependent, taking-in phase, as the client may have increased hunger and thirst after delivery. The nurse should encourage adequate nutrition and hydration to promote healing and lactation.

Choice C reason:

Eagerness to learn newborn care skills is more characteristic of the dependent-independent, taking-hold phase, which begins around the third day postpartum. During this phase, the client becomes more confident and interested in caring for herself and her newborn.

ChoiceD reason:

Focus on the family unit and its members is more characteristic of the interdependent, letting-go phase, which occurs after the first week postpartum. During this phase, the client redefines her role within the family and society, and integrates the newborn into her life.

A. Moderate swelling of the labia B. Fundus three fingerbreadths above the umbilicus C. Moderate lochia rubra D. Blood pressure 130/84 mm Hg

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice B reason:
A fundus that is elevated and displaced from the midline indicates a full bladder, which can interfere with uterine contraction and increase the risk of hemorrhage. The nurse should assist the client to void or catheterize her if necessary.

Choice A reason:
Moderate swelling of the labia is a normal finding after vaginal delivery, and does not indicate a need to urinate. The nurse should apply ice packs and perineal pads to reduce edema and discomfort.

Choice C reason:
Moderate lochia rubra is a normal finding during the first 24 hr postpartum, and does not indicate a need to urinate. The nurse should monitor the amount and color of lochia, and change the perineal pads as needed.

Choice D reason:
A blood pressure of 130/84 mm Hg is within the normal range for a postpartum client, and does not indicate a need to urinate. The nurse should monitor the blood pressure for signs of hypertension or hypotension, which can indicate complications such as preeclampsia or hemorrhage.

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A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who had an epidural anesthesia block during the early stages of labor. The client's blood pressure is 80/40 mm Hg and the fetal heart recording is 140/min. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who is 12 hr postpartum. The nurse recognizes the client is in the dependent, taking-in phase of maternal postpartum adjustment. Which of the following is an expected finding during this period?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client who is 8 hr postpartum and multiparous. Which of the following findings should alert the nurse to the client's need to urinate?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who is in labor. The client's labor is difficult and prolonged and she reports a severe backache. Which of the following factors is a contributing cause of difficult, prolonged labor?

A nurse is collecting data from a postpartum client and finds a large amount of lochia rubra with several clots on the client's perineal pad. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who experienced a vaginal birth 2 hours ago. The nurse should identify that which of the following findings places the client at risk for a postpartum hemorrhage?

A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who had an epidural anesthesia block during the early stages of labor. The client's blood pressure is 80/40 mm Hg and the fetal heart recording is 140/min. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

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A nurse is caring for a group of clients on an intrapartum unit. Which of the following findings should be reported to the RN immediately?

A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who is in active labor. The nurse notes late decelerations on the fetal monitor tracing. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?