A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who is experiencing a postpartum hemorrhage. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? (Select all that apply.).

Choice A reason:

Breast changes are considered a presumptive sign of pregnancy. This means they are subjective indications reported by the woman and may not be definitive evidence of pregnancy. During pregnancy, the woman's breasts may undergo various changes such as tenderness, enlargement, and darkening of the areolas. These changes are primarily due to hormonal fluctuations and increased blood flow to the breast tissue.

Choice B reason:

Ballottement is not a presumptive sign of pregnancy. Ballottement is a clinical maneuver performed by a healthcare provider to assess the mobility of the fetus in the amniotic fluid. It involves tapping on the cervix and feeling for a rebound from the floating fetus. While it is an indication of pregnancy, it is not considered a presumptive sign as it requires a trained professional to detect.

Choice C reason:

Urinary frequency is a presumptive sign of pregnancy. During pregnancy, the growing uterus can put pressure on the bladder, leading to increased urinary frequency. However, urinary frequency can also be caused by other factors such as urinary tract infections, so it is not a definitive sign of pregnancy.

Choice D reason:

Nausea, specifically morning sickness, is a presumptive sign of pregnancy. Many pregnant women experience nausea and vomiting, especially during the first trimester, due to hormonal changes. However, nausea can also be caused by various other conditions, making it a presumptive rather than a confirmatory sign of pregnancy.

Choice E:

A positive pregnancy test is a probable sign of pregnancy rather than a presumptive sign. Pregnancy tests detect the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced during pregnancy. A positive test provides strong evidence of pregnancy, but it is not considered a presumptive sign as it is an objective finding rather than a subjective symptom reported by the woman.

Choice B reason: The nurse should ask the client if they have had thoughts about harming their infant. This is a crucial action because the client's statement suggests they may be experiencing feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt as a mother, which could potentially lead to more serious thoughts or actions. By directly asking about thoughts of harming the baby, the nurse can assess the client's mental and emotional state more thoroughly and determine if there is a risk of harm to the infant.

Choice A reason:

The nurse should advise the client that most new mothers experience these feelings. This response acknowledges the client's feelings of inadequacy and normalizes their experience, letting them know that it is common for new mothers to have doubts and insecurities. This validation can help the client feel less alone and more understood, promoting a therapeutic nurse-client relationship.

Choice C reason:

The nurse should explain to the client that they are experiencing the "baby blues.” This is a valid option because the client's statement indicates they may be experiencing mood swings, sadness, and emotional sensitivity, which are typical symptoms of the baby blues. Providing this information can help the client understand that these feelings are transient and often related to hormonal changes after childbirth.

Choice D reason:

Taking the client to the emergency department is not warranted based solely on the information provided. The client's statement does not indicate an immediate danger to themselves or their baby. However, if during the assessment (including choice B), the nurse identifies any signs of potential harm to the infant or the client, further action may be necessary, such as involving appropriate mental health professionals or support services.