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 lightheaded. After applying oxygen via nonrebreather face mask at 10 L/min, which of the following actions should the nurse take next?
Insert an indwelling urinary catheter.
Administer oxytocin by continuous IV infusion.
Massage the client's fundus to promote contractions.
Tilt the client onto her right side with her legs elevated to at least 30 degrees.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter can be helpful in measuring urine output and reducing bladder distention, which may impede uterine contractions. However, it is not the immediate next step in managing postpartum hemorrhage.
Choice B reason:
Administering oxytocin by continuous IV infusion is a standard intervention to promote uterine contractions after delivery, which helps to control bleeding. However, before starting an oxytocin infusion, it is important to ensure that there are no retained placental fragments and that the uterus is not already well-contracted.
Choice C reason:
Massaging the client's fundus is the priority action because it can stimulate uterine contractions, which are essential for controlling postpartum bleeding. A firm, contracted uterus helps to compress the blood vessels and prevent excessive bleeding.
Choice D reason:
Tilting the client onto her right side with her legs elevated can help improve venous return and may be part of the management for shock. However, the immediate concern in a postpartum client with excessive bleeding is to manage the bleeding by promoting uterine contractions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Immunization for rubella in the third trimester is not recommended because live vaccines are contraindicated during pregnancy due to the theoretical risk to the fetus.
Choice B reason:
The recommended time for rubella immunization is shortly after giving birth. This timing is advised because the vaccine contains a live virus, which could potentially harm the fetus if given during pregnancy. By waiting until after the delivery, there is no risk to the newborn, and the mother can develop immunity before any subsequent pregnancies.
Choice C reason:
While it is important for a woman to have immunity to rubella before getting pregnant, the immunization should not be given during the time she is trying to conceive. Women are advised to avoid pregnancy for at least 28 days after receiving the MMR vaccine, which includes the rubella component, due to the live virus in the vaccine.
Choice D reason:
Immunization for rubella should not be given immediately upon finding out that the client does not have immunity during the first trimester. As mentioned, live vaccines are contraindicated during pregnancy, and the immunization should be postponed until after the birth of the baby.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice a reason:
Increasing abdominal pain with a nonrelaxed uterus is not typically indicative of placenta previa. This symptom could suggest other complications such as uterine rupture or placental abruption, which are serious conditions requiring immediate medical attention.
Choice b reason:
Abdominal pain with scant red vaginal bleeding is also not a classic sign of placenta previa. While vaginal bleeding can occur in placenta previa, it is usually not associated with abdominal pain. Pain accompanied by bleeding is more suggestive of other obstetric emergencies.
Choice c reason:
Painless red vaginal bleeding is a hallmark sign of placenta previa. In placenta previa, the placenta covers the cervical os either partially or completely, leading to bleeding when the lower part of the uterus stretches and thins as part of the preparation for labor. This bleeding is typically sudden and painless and can range from light to heavy.
Choice d reason:
Intermittent abdominal pain following the passage of bloody mucus is not characteristic of placenta previa. This symptom could be associated with the normal process of losing the mucus plug as labor approaches or could indicate other conditions but is not specific to placenta previa.
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