A nurse is caring for a client 2 hours after a spontaneous vaginal birth and the client has saturated two perineal pads with blood in a 30-minute period. Which of the following is the priority nursing intervention at this time?
Assist the client on a bedpan to urinate.
Increase the client's fluid intake.
Palpate the client's uterine fundus.
Prepare to administer oxytocic medication.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
Assisting the client on a bedpan to urinate is important for assessing urinary output and preventing bladder distension. However, in this situation, the priority is to assess and manage postpartum hemorrhage, which is indicated by the excessive bleeding.
Choice B reason:
Increasing the client's fluid intake is generally a good measure for promoting hydration and maintaining blood volume. However, it is not the priority in this scenario of excessive postpartum bleeding.
Choice C reason:
Palpating the client's uterine fundus is the priority nursing intervention at this time. The excessive bleeding indicated by saturating two perineal pads in a 30-minute period suggests postpartum hemorrhage, which can result from uterine atony (failure of the uterus to contract adequately after childbirth). Palpating the fundus allows the nurse to assess if the uterus is firm or boggy, and if it is not contracting properly, immediate interventions can be initiated to control the bleeding.
Choice D reason:
Preparing to administer oxytocic medication (such as oxytocin) can help stimulate uterine contractions and prevent or manage postpartum hemorrhage. However, the priority is to first assess the uterine fundus and confirm the cause of the excessive bleeding before administering any medication.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: Change her position to the right side
Changing the mother’s position to the right side can sometimes help improve fetal oxygenation by relieving pressure on the vena cava. However, since the mother is already lying on her left side, which is typically the preferred position to optimize blood flow, changing to the right side may not be as effective .
Choice B: Place a wedge under the left hip
Placing a wedge under the left hip is a common intervention to improve uteroplacental blood flow. This position helps to tilt the uterus off the vena cava, enhancing venous return and improving cardiac output, which can positively affect fetal oxygenation. This is why it is the correct answer.
Choice C: Lower the head of the bed
Lowering the head of the bed can help increase blood flow to the upper body and brain, but it does not specifically address the issue of improving uteroplacental blood flow. This action is less targeted for resolving nonreassuring fetal heart rate patterns.
Choice D: Place the mother in a Trendelenburg position
The Trendelenburg position, where the mother is laid flat on her back with her feet elevated higher than her head, is generally used to treat hypotension or to improve venous return in cases of shock. However, it is not typically recommended for nonreassuring fetal heart rate patterns as it can increase pressure on the diaphragm and reduce respiratory efficiency.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
The woman in early labor with contractions every 5 minutes lasting 40 seconds each does not require the immediate discontinuation of the oxytocin (Pitocin) infusion. Early labor is characterized by mild and infrequent contractions as the cervix begins to dilate and efface. Choice B reason:
The woman in active labor with contractions every 30 minutes lasting 60 seconds each also does not warrant immediate discontinuation of the oxytocin (Pitocin) infusion. Active labor typically involves regular and stronger contractions as the cervix continues to dilate and the baby progresses downward.
Choice C reason:
The woman in active labor with contractions every 2 to 3 minutes lasting 70 to 80 seconds each does not require immediate cessation of the oxytocin (Pitocin) infusion. These contractions are within the expected range for active labor and may be considered normal.
Choice D reason:
The woman in transition with contractions every 1.5 minutes lasting 95 seconds each should have the oxytocin (Pitocin) infusion discontinued immediately. Transition is the most intense phase of labor, characterized by rapid and strong contractions as the cervix completes dilation. Prolonged and frequent contractions during this phase can lead to uterine hyperstimulation, which can compromise fetal oxygenation and result in fetal distress. Discontinuing the oxytocin infusion is necessary to reduce the intensity and frequency of contractions, ensuring better fetal well-being during this critical phase of labor.
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