A nurse is caring for a 28-year-old female client who is 2 days postpartum in the postpartum unit following a cesarean birth. For each finding below, click to specify if the finding is consistent with the disease process of lactational mastitis, postpartum endometritis, or postpartum hemorrhage. Each finding may support more than one disease process.

Exhibits

For each finding below, click to specify if the finding is consistent with the disease process of lactational mastitis, postpartum endometritis, or postpartum hemorrhage. Each finding may support more than one disease process.

Choice A rationale

Rapid plasma regain is not a standard laboratory test associated with hyperemesis gravidarum. Hyperemesis gravidarum is characterized by severe nausea and vomiting leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

Choice B rationale

A urine culture is used to detect urinary tract infections, which are not a primary concern in hyperemesis gravidarum unless specifically indicated by symptoms of a UTI.

Choice C rationale

Prothrombin time (PT) and other coagulation studies assess blood clotting. While severe dehydration and malnutrition from hyperemesis gravidarum could theoretically affect coagulation, it is not a routine initial test to anticipate.

Choice D rationale

Urine ketones are a key laboratory finding in hyperemesis gravidarum. Due to persistent vomiting and inadequate oral intake, the body starts to break down fat for energy, leading to ketonuria. The presence of ketones in the urine indicates starvation and the need for intravenous fluids and nutritional support.

Choice A rationale

A neonate's respiratory rate of 46 breaths per minute is within the normal range for a newborn, which is typically between 30 and 60 breaths per minute. Shallow respirations and brief periods of apnea lasting less than 20 seconds are also common in the immediate newborn period as the respiratory system adapts to extrauterine life. Therefore, continued routine monitoring is the appropriate initial action.

Choice B rationale

While apnea monitors are used for infants at high risk for apnea, such as preterm infants or those with known respiratory issues, a healthy term neonate with brief periods of apnea less than 20 seconds and a respiratory rate within the normal range does not typically require continuous electronic monitoring. This intervention would be premature given the current assessment findings.

Choice C rationale

Following a respiratory arrest protocol is indicated when a patient exhibits signs of respiratory distress or cessation of breathing. The neonate's current respiratory rate of 46 bpm, although shallow with brief pauses, does not indicate respiratory arrest. Initiating such a protocol would be an overreaction to the current assessment findings.

Choice D rationale

While it is important to keep the pediatrician informed about any significant changes in a neonate's condition, the findings described (respiratory rate of 46 bpm, shallow respirations, and apnea up to 5 seconds) are often normal in the first few hours after birth. Calling the pediatrician immediately for these findings alone is not the priority action; continued monitoring is more appropriate initially.