A nurse is caring for a client who delivered by cesarean birth 6 hr ago. The nurse notes a steady trickle of vaginal bleeding that does not stop with fundal massage.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Evaluate urinary output.
Replace the surgical dressing.
Apply an ice pack to the incision site.
Administer 500 mL lactated Ringer's IV bolus.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Evaluating urinary output is important postoperatively, but it does not address the immediate concern of vaginal bleeding.
Choice B rationale:
Replacing the surgical dressing is necessary if it’s saturated, but it does not address the immediate concern of vaginal bleeding.
Choice C rationale:
Applying an ice pack to the incision site can help reduce swelling and pain, but it does not address the immediate concern of vaginal bleeding.
Choice D rationale:
Administering a 500 mL lactated Ringer’s IV bolus can help increase uterine contractility and decrease bleeding. This is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take in this situation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Giving oxytocin 20 units IV bolus is incorrect. Oxytocin is used to stimulate uterine contractions, not to stop bleeding.
Choice B rationale:
Performing a fundal massage is incorrect. This is done to stimulate uterine contractions, not to stop bleeding.
Choice C rationale:
Assessing for abdominal tenderness is incorrect. This is not a priority action when a client is exhibiting a large amount of vaginal bleeding.
Choice D rationale:
Obtaining serial hemoglobin and hematocrit is correct. These lab tests will help determine the extent of blood loss and guide treatment.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice Arationale:
Decreasing the rate of IV fluids would not address the issue of late decelerations, which indicate fetal hypoxia.
Choice Brationale:
Fetal scalp stimulation is used to assess fetal well-being, but it would not address the issue of late decelerations.
Choice C rationale:
Administering oxygen via a face mask can increase the amount of oxygen available to the fetus, potentially alleviating the hypoxia causing the late decelerations.
Choice D rationale:
Elevating the client’s head would not address the issue of late decelerations.
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