A nurse is caring for a client who gave birth 2 hr ago. The nurse notes that the client's blood pressure is 60/50 mm Hg. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Obtain a type and crossmatch.
Administer oxytocin infusion.
Initiate oxygen therapy by nonrebreather mask.
Evaluate the firmness of the uterus.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Obtaining a type and crossmatch is not the first action that the nurse should take, as it is a preparatory step for blood transfusion, which may or may not be needed. The nurse should first identify the cause and severity of the hypotension, and initiate immediate interventions to stop the bleeding and restore the circulation.
Choice B reason: Administering oxytocin infusion is not the first action that the nurse should take, as it is a pharmacological intervention that requires a prescription and an assessment of the uterine tone and bleeding. The nurse should first evaluate the firmness of the uterus and massage it if needed, to stimulate the contraction and retraction of the uterine muscle.
Choice C reason: Initiating oxygen therapy by nonrebreather mask is not the first action that the nurse should take, as it is a supportive intervention that aims to improve the oxygen delivery to the tissues and organs. The nurse should first address the underlying cause of the hypotension, which is most likely postpartum hemorrhage, and prevent further blood loss and shock.
Choice D reason: Evaluating the firmness of the uterus is the first action that the nurse should take, as it can help determine the source and extent of the bleeding, and guide the subsequent interventions. The nurse should palpate the fundus and check the lochia, and report any signs of uterine atony, which is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: A client who is experiencing preterm labor at 26 weeks of gestation is a suitable candidate for tocolytic therapy, because it can help delay the delivery and allow time for fetal lung maturation and transfer to a tertiary care center. Tocolytic therapy is indicated for clients who have regular uterine contractions and cervical changes before 37 weeks of gestation.
Choice B reason: A client who is experiencing fetal death at 32 weeks of gestation is not a suitable candidate for tocolytic therapy, because it has no benefit for the mother or the fetus. Tocolytic therapy is contraindicated for clients who have fetal demise, as it can increase the risk of infection and coagulation disorders.
Choice C reason: A client who has a post-term pregnancy at 42 weeks of gestation is not a suitable candidate for tocolytic therapy, because it can harm the mother and the fetus. Tocolytic therapy is contraindicated for clients who have post-term pregnancy, as it can increase the risk of placental insufficiency, fetal distress, and meconium aspiration.
Choice D reason: A client who is experiencing Braxton-Hicks contractions at 36 weeks of gestation is not a suitable candidate for tocolytic therapy, because it is not necessary or effective. Braxton-Hicks contractions are irregular and painless contractions that do not cause cervical changes or labor. They are normal and harmless, and do not require any intervention.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This statement is correct, as the ultrasound can help diagnose placenta previa, which is a condition where the placenta covers the cervical opening and can cause painless, bright red bleeding in the third trimester. Placenta previa is a serious complication that can affect the delivery and the fetal oxygenation.
Choice B reason: This statement is incorrect, as the biparietal diameter is a measurement of the fetal head that is used to estimate the gestational age and the fetal growth. The biparietal diameter is not related to the cause or the severity of the bleeding.
Choice C reason: This statement is incorrect, as the fetal lung maturity is an assessment of the surfactant level in the amniotic fluid that is used to predict the risk of respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants. The fetal lung maturity is not related to the cause or the severity of the bleeding.
Choice D reason: This statement is incorrect, as the viability of the fetus is an evaluation of the fetal heart rate, movement, and tone that is used to determine the fetal well-being and distress. The viability of the fetus is not related to the cause or the severity of the bleeding, although it can be affected by it.
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