A nurse is caring for a client who is 12 hours postpartum. Which of the following findings should alert the nurse to the possibility of a postpartum complication?
Urine output of 3,000 mL in 12 hours
Fundus palpable at the umbilicus
Orthostatic hypotension
Heart rate 110/min
The Correct Answer is D
A) A urine output of 3,000 mL in 12 hours postpartum is typically not concerning. Postpartum diuresis is a normal physiological response as the body eliminates excess fluid accumulated during pregnancy.
B) The fundus palpable at the umbilicus is an expected finding 12 hours postpartum as the uterus begins to contract and return to its pre-pregnancy size.
C) Orthostatic hypotension can occur postpartum as a result of the cardiovascular system adjusting after delivery, but it is not typically a sign of a serious complication.
D) A heart rate of 110/min could indicate a postpartum complication such as hemorrhage or infection and should be investigated further. It is higher than the normal range and could be a sign of an underlying issue that needs immediate attention.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Pain following a cesarean birth is important to address, but it may not indicate an urgent need for assessment compared to other potential complications.
B. A client with preeclampsia requires close monitoring of blood pressure to prevent
complications such as eclampsia, which can lead to seizures and other serious consequences. An elevated blood pressure reading warrants immediate attention.
C. A client scheduled for discharge following a laparoscopic tubal ligation is stable and can likely wait for assessment until after higher-priority clients have been seen.
D. While it's important to monitor for bleeding after a vaginal birth, the absence of bleeding reported by a client 24 hours postpartum may not indicate an immediate need for assessment compared to the potential urgency of managing preeclampsia.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Not passing meconium within 24 hours may indicate meconium ileus or another bowel obstruction, but it's not an immediate concern.
B. A temperature of 37.5°C (99.5°F) is within the normal range for a newborn and does not require immediate intervention.
C. Acrocyanosis, blueness of the extremities, is a common finding in newborns and does not require immediate intervention.
D. A newborn who is 24 hours post-delivery and has not voided requires immediate intervention as it may indicate a urinary tract obstruction or another issue that needs prompt assessment and management.
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