A nurse is caring for a client who is 12 hr postpartum. The nurse recognizes the client is in the dependent, taking-in phase of maternal postpartum adjustment. Which of the following is an expected finding during this period?
Expressions of excitement
Lack of appetite
Eagerness to learn newborn care skills
Focus on the family unit and its members
The Correct Answer is A
Expressions of excitement are typical during the dependent, taking-in phase, which lasts for the first 24 to 48 hr after delivery. The client may relive and review her labor and delivery experience, and may need reassurance and validation from others.
Choice B reason:
Lack of appetite is not an expected finding during the dependent, taking-in phase, as the client may have increased hunger and thirst after delivery. The nurse should encourage adequate nutrition and hydration to promote healing and lactation.
Choice C reason:
Eagerness to learn newborn care skills is more characteristic of the dependent-independent, taking-hold phase, which begins around the third day postpartum. During this phase, the client becomes more confident and interested in caring for herself and her newborn.
Choice D reason:
Focus on the family unit and its members is more characteristic of the interdependent, letting-go phase, which occurs after the first week postpartum. During this phase, the client redefines her role within the family and society, and integrates the newborn into her life.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Massage the client's fundus is correct, as this is the first action the nurse should take according to the ABCDE priority framework. Saturating a perineal pad in 10 min indicates excessive bleeding and possible postpartum hemorrhage, which can compromise the client's airway, breathing, and circulation. Massaging the fundus can stimulate uterine contraction and reduce blood loss.
Choice B reason: Check the client's blood pressure is incorrect, as this is not the first action the nurse should take, although it is important to monitor for signs of shock. Checking the blood pressure does not address the cause of bleeding or prevent further blood loss.
Choice C reason: Administer oxytocin is incorrect, as this is not the first action the nurse should take, although it may be indicated later. Administering oxytocin requires a provider's order and may have adverse effects such as nausea,
vomiting, headache, or water intoxication. The nurse should first atempt to control bleeding by massaging the fundus and then administer oxytocin as ordered.
Choice D reason: Observe for pooling of blood under the butocks is incorrect, as this is not the first action the nurse should take, although it can help estimate blood loss. Observing for pooling of blood does not address the cause of bleeding or prevent further blood loss. The nurse should first atempt to control bleeding by massaging the fundus and then assess for other signs of hemorrhage.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice D reason:
Placing the client in a knee-chest or Trendelenburg position is the first action the nurse should take, as it can relieve pressure on the cord and prevent compression and fetal hypoxia. The nurse should also use a sterile gloved hand to hold the presenting part off the cord.
Choice A reason:
Preparing the client for an emergency cesarean birth is an important action, as it can facilitate prompt delivery and prevent fetal compromise. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take, as it does not address the immediate problem of cord prolapse.
Choice B reason:
Covering the cord with a sterile, moist saline dressing is an important action, as it can prevent drying and infection of the cord. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take, as it does not address the immediate problem of cord compression.
Choice C reason:
Explaining to the client what is happening is an important action, as it can provide emotional support and education for the client. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take, as it does not address the immediate problem of cord prolapse.
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