A nurse is caring for a client who gave birth 4 hr ago and is experiencing excessive vaginal bleeding. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take first?
Elevate the client's legs to a 30° angle.
Insert an indwelling urinary catheter.
Massage the client's fundus.
Initiate an infusion of oxytocin.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice C rationale:
The nurse should first massage the client's fundus to address the excessive vaginal bleeding. Massaging the fundus helps the uterus contract and prevents further bleeding. Excessive postpartum bleeding may indicate uterine atony, which is a leading cause of postpartum hemorrhage. The nurse should apply gentle pressure to the fundus to promote uterine contractions and reduce bleeding.
Choice A rationale:
Elevating the client's legs to a 30° angle (Trendelenburg position) is not the priority action in this situation. Fundal massage takes precedence because it directly addresses the cause of the excessive bleeding. While Trendelenburg position might be used in some situations to increase blood flow to vital organs, it is not the first-line intervention for postpartum bleeding.
Choice B rationale:
Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter is not the priority action for excessive vaginal bleeding. While monitoring urine output is essential, the immediate concern is controlling the bleeding by massaging the fundus.
Choice D rationale:
Initiating an infusion of oxytocin may be indicated if fundal massage alone is insufficient to control bleeding. However, massaging the fundus should be the first action taken to promote uterine contractions. Oxytocin can be administered afterward, if needed, under the direction of a healthcare provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
When late decelerations are noted in the fetal heart rate (FHR) tracing, it indicates that the fetal oxygen supply may be compromised. The nurse should first change the client's position, such as moving her to the left lateral position or a hands-and-knees position, to improve uteroplacental blood flow and relieve pressure on the vena cava.
Choice B rationale:
Palpating the uterus to assess for tachysystole is not the priority action when late decelerations are observed. Tachysystole refers to excessively frequent uterine contractions and may contribute to fetal distress, but the immediate concern is addressing the decelerations.
Choice C rationale:
Increasing the client's IV infusion rate may not address the underlying cause of late decelerations. While maintaining hydration is important, it's not the first action to take in this situation.
Choice D rationale:
Administering oxygen at 10 L/min via a non-rebreather mask may be beneficial for the client and fetus, but it is not the first action to take. The nurse should address the position change first to improve oxygenation through better blood flow before considering supplemental oxygen.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Postpartum depression is a more severe and prolonged form of emotional response to childbirth. It involves persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and difficulty bonding with the baby. The symptoms of postpartum depression are different from what the client is experiencing, so this choice is not correct.
Choice B rationale:
The taking-in phase is a normal emotional response to birth, where the mother is focused on her own needs and experiences during the immediate postpartum period. The client's symptoms do not align with this phase, as she is expressing feelings of sadness and crying for no reason.
Choice C rationale:
The postpartum blues, also known as the "baby blues,” is the correct choice. It is a common and transient emotional response to birth experienced by many new mothers. The mother may feel overwhelmed, have mood swings, and cry for no apparent reason. These symptoms usually resolve on their own within a few days to a couple of weeks, and supportive care is typically sufficient.
Choice D rationale:
The taking-hold phase is a phase where the mother becomes more confident in her caregiving abilities and starts to take a more active role in caring for her baby. The client's symptoms do not align with this phase, as she is expressing feelings of sadness and crying for no reason.
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