A nurse is caring for a client 2 hr following a spontaneous vaginal delivery and notes that the client has saturated two perineal pads with blood in a 30-min period. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Check the consistency of the client's uterine fundus.
Have the client use the bedpan to urinate.
Increase the client's fluid intake.
Prepare to administer oxytocic medication.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
Checking the consistency of the client's uterine fundus is the first action the nurse should take, as it can indicate the cause of excessive bleeding. A boggy or soft fundus indicates uterine atony, which is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage. The nurse should massage the fundus until it becomes firm and contracted.
Choice B reason:
Having the client use the bedpan to urinate is an important action, as a full bladder can displace the uterus and prevent it from contracting properly. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take, as it does not address the immediate source of bleeding.
Choice C reason:
Increasing the client's fluid intake is an important action, as it can help replace fluid loss and prevent hypovolemia and shock. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take, as it does not stop the bleeding.
Choice D reason:
Preparing to administer oxytocic medication is an important action, as it can stimulate uterine contractions and reduce bleeding. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take, as it requires a provider's prescription and may not be necessary if fundal massage is effective.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
A warm sitz bath can promote healing and comfort, but it is not recommended until 24 hr after delivery, as it can increase swelling and bleeding.
Choice B reason:
An ice pack can reduce inflammation and pain by causing vasoconstriction and numbing the area. It should be applied for 20 minutes at a time, with a cloth barrier between the skin and the ice.
Choice C reason:
A soft pillow under the client's butocks can increase pressure on the perineum and worsen the pain. The client should be encouraged to lie on her side or sit in a semi-Fowler's position.
Choice D reason:
A heating lamp can dry out the wound and delay healing. It can also cause burns and discomfort. It should be avoided for episiotomy care.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: The client is Rh negative and the newborn is Rh positive is correct, as this finding indicates a risk of Rh incompatibility and sensitization. Rh incompatibility occurs when the mother has Rh-negative blood and the baby has Rh-positive blood, which can cause maternal antibodies to atack the fetal red blood cells. Sensitization occurs when the maternal antibodies cross the placenta and enter the fetal circulation, which can cause hemolytic disease of the newborn. The nurse should administer Rho(D) immune globulin to prevent sensitization and protect future pregnancies.
Choice B reason: The client is Rh negative and the newborn is Rh negative is incorrect, as this finding does not indicate a risk of Rh incompatibility or sensitization. If both the mother and the baby have Rh-negative blood, there is no antigen-antibody reaction and no need for Rho(D) immune globulin.
Choice C reason: The client is Rh positive and the newborn is Rh positive is incorrect, as this finding does not indicate a risk of Rh incompatibility or sensitization. If both the mother and the baby have Rh-positive blood, there is no antigen-antibody reaction and no need for Rho(D) immune globulin.
Choice D reason: The client is Rh positive and the newborn is Rh negative is incorrect, as this finding does not indicate a risk of Rh incompatibility or sensitization. If the mother has Rh-positive blood and the baby has Rh- negative blood, there is no antigen-antibody reaction and no need for Rho(D) immune globulin.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today