A nurse is caring for a client who is 2 hours postpartum.
The nurse notes that the client soaked a perineal pad in 10 minutes, the client’s skin color is ashen, and she states she feels weak and light-headed.
After applying oxygen via a non-rebreather face mask at 10 L/min, which of the following actions should the nurse take next?
Tilt the client onto her right side with her legs elevated to at least 30 degrees.
Administer oxytocin by continuous IV infusion.
Insert an indwelling urinary catheter.
Massage the client’s fundus to promote contractions.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Tilt the client onto her right side with her legs elevated to at least 30 degrees. This action is not the most immediate step to take. While it can help improve venous return and thus cardiac output, it does not directly address the issue of postpartum hemorrhage.
Choice B rationale
Administer oxytocin by continuous IV infusion. Oxytocin is a medication that can stimulate uterine contractions and help control postpartum bleeding. However, it should be administered after the nurse has assessed the uterus and determined that it is not contracting effectively on its own.
Choice C rationale
Insert an indwelling urinary catheter. While a full bladder can inhibit effective uterine contractions and contribute to bleeding, inserting a catheter is not the first step in managing a postpartum hemorrhage.
Choice D rationale
Massage the client’s fundus to promote contractions. This is the correct answer. Fundal massage stimulates the uterus to contract, which can help control postpartum bleeding. It is a first-line intervention for a boggy uterus and postpartum hemorrhage.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Elevating the leg can help reduce swelling and improve blood flow, which can alleviate pain and redness in the calf. This is a non-pharmacological intervention that the client can easily do at home.
Choice B rationale
Applying cold compresses is typically used for acute injuries to reduce inflammation and numb the area. However, in the case of a postpartum client reporting pain and redness in her calf, this could potentially be a sign of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and applying cold compresses may not be the most appropriate intervention.
Choice C rationale
Flexing the knee while resting is not typically recommended for a client with symptoms that may indicate a DVT. This position does not promote venous return and could potentially exacerbate the condition.
Choice D rationale
Massaging the area is not recommended if a DVT is suspected, as it could dislodge a blood clot and cause a pulmonary embolism.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The nurse’s response, “You seem scared to talk to your parents,” is an empathetic response that validates the client’s feelings and encourages further communication. It’s important for the nurse to provide emotional support and help the client explore her feelings about the situation. The nurse can also provide information about confidentiality laws and discuss potential outcomes of various decisions.
Choice B rationale
Telling the client that her parents will have to be told why she is being admitted may not be accurate depending on the age of the client and local laws regarding minor’s rights to privacy in healthcare. It’s crucial to respect the client’s autonomy and privacy.
Choice C rationale
While it’s possible that the parents might understand, suggesting this puts pressure on the client to disclose her condition to her parents. The nurse should instead focus on supporting the client in making her own decision about disclosure.
Choice D rationale
Offering to tell the parents for the client could undermine the client’s autonomy and may not be legally permissible without the client’s consent. The nurse should instead focus on helping the client explore her options and come to her own decision.
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