A nurse is caring for a client who has just learned that she is pregnant. The nurse should reinforce with the client to call her provider if she experiences which of the following manifestations?
Decreased energy
Mood swings
Urinary frequency
Facial edema
The Correct Answer is D
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The nurse's first action should be to massage the client's fundus, as this can help stimulate uterine contraction and prevent hemorrhage. The fundus is the upper part of the uterus that contracts and involutes after delivery to compress the blood vessels and stop bleeding. The nurse should palpate the fundus for firmness, height, and position, and massage it gently if it is boggy or displaced.
The other actions are not the first priority and may be done after massaging the fundus.
The nurse should observe for the pooling of blood under the buttocks, as this can indicate a large amount of blood loss that may not be visible on the perineal pad. However, this is not the first action to take, as it does not address the cause of the bleeding or stop it from continuing.
The nurse should assess the client's blood pressure, as this can indicate the severity of blood loss and the presence of shock. However, blood pressure may not change significantly until a large amount of blood is lost, and it is not specific to the cause of bleeding. Therefore, blood pressure is not the first action to take.
The nurse should prepare to administer a prescribed oxytocic preparation, such as oxytocin or methylergonovine, as this can enhance uterine contraction and reduce bleeding. However, this requires a provider's order and may take time to obtain and administer. Therefore, an oxytocic preparation is not the first action to take.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
b. Apply an external fetal monitor.
The nurse should apply an external fetal monitor to assess the fetal heart rate and activity, as well as the presence and intensity of contractions. Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta covers part or all of the cervical opening, which can cause painless, bright red bleeding in the third trimester. Placenta previa can compromise fetal oxygenation and perfusion, and can also trigger preterm labor. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the fetal well- being and readiness for delivery.
The other actions are not appropriate and may cause harm to the client or the fetus.
a. The nurse should not perform a rectal exam, as this can cause trauma or infection to the rectum or the placenta, and increase the risk of bleeding or rupture.
c. The nurse should not complete a vaginal exam, as this can dislodge or damage the placenta, and cause severe
hemorrhage or shock.
d. The nurse should not apply ice to the perineal area, as this can cause vasoconstriction and reduce blood flow to the placenta and the fetus, and worsen their condition.
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