A nurse is caring for a client who is 2 days postpartum. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
4+ deep-tendon reflexes
Urine output 2.500 mL/day
Scant lochia rubra with a few small clots
Bilateral ankle edema
The Correct Answer is A
A. 4+ deep-tendon reflexes: Deep-tendon reflexes are typically assessed using a scale ranging from 0 to 4+, with 4+ indicating hyperactive reflexes. In a postpartum client, hyperactive deep-tendon reflexes could indicate a potential complication such as preeclampsia or eclampsia, which require immediate medical attention. Therefore, the nurse should report this finding to the provider promptly.
B. Urine output 2,500 mL/day: A urine output of 2,500 mL/day is within the expected range for a postpartum client and does not require immediate intervention. Adequate urine output is important for assessing renal function and hydration status, but this finding does not indicate an urgent concern.
C. Scant lochia rubra with a few small clots: Scant lochia rubra with small clots is a normal finding in the early postpartum period. Lochia typically progresses from rubra (red) to serosa (pink) to alba (white) over time. As long as the lochia is not excessive or accompanied by large clots, this finding is not concerning and does not require immediate reporting to the provider.
D. Bilateral ankle edema: Mild bilateral ankle edema is common in the postpartum period and is often attributed to hormonal changes and shifts in fluid balance. While the nurse should continue to monitor for signs of worsening edema or other symptoms of preeclampsia, mild edema alone is not typically considered a critical finding requiring immediate reporting to the provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "Incident report completed. A copy will be placed in the client's medical record." This statement indicates the completion of the incident report but lacks essential information about what incident occurred. It does not provide details necessary for understanding the nature of the incident.
B. "Prescribed dressing change was accidentally omitted during the previous shift." This statement clearly identifies the nature of the incident, stating that a prescribed dressing change was missed. It provides factual information without assigning blame, which is appropriate for an incident report.
C. "A nurse accidentally omitted a prescribed dressing change. Will notify the provider tomorrow." While this statement acknowledges the omission, it lacks details about the incident and focuses on future actions rather than accurately documenting what occurred.
D. "Unable to complete a prescribed dressing change. However, dressing did not appear to be soiled." This statement does not accurately represent the situation. It implies that the dressing change was not completed due to the dressing not appearing soiled, which may not be the case. It does not acknowledge the omission of the prescribed dressing change.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Answer: A
Rationale:
A. Frequent swallowing: Frequent swallowing in a postoperative tonsillectomy patient can be a sign of bleeding or a hemorrhage. This is a priority finding because it may indicate that the child is swallowing blood, which requires immediate intervention to prevent significant blood loss and complications.
B. Dark brown emesis: Dark brown emesis can be a normal finding post-tonsillectomy, as it may indicate the presence of old blood or clotted blood. While it should be monitored, it is not as urgent as frequent swallowing, which may signify active bleeding.
C. Sore throat: A sore throat is a common postoperative symptom following a tonsillectomy and is generally expected. It is important to manage pain and discomfort, but it is not as urgent as signs of potential bleeding.
D. Blood-tinged mucus: Blood-tinged mucus can occur after a tonsillectomy due to irritation or minor bleeding. While it should be observed, it is less critical compared to frequent swallowing, which may indicate more significant bleeding.
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