A nurse is caring for a client who is 2 weeks postpartum. The client tells the nurse, "I feel really down and sad lately. I have no energy and I feel like I'm going to cry." Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Reinforce teaching about ways to increase rest and sleep.
Arrange for counseling to help the client cope with the stress of being a parent.
Request a prescription for antidepressant medication.
Use a postpartum depression screening tool with the client.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale: While adequate rest and sleep are essential postpartum, the client's symptoms of feeling down and sad may be indicative of postpartum depression and should be further evaluated.
Choice B rationale: Counseling may be helpful, but the priority is to first assess and screen for postpartum depression before making additional recommendations.
Choice C rationale: While antidepressant medications might be necessary for postpartum depression, the initial step should be to assess and screen for depression using the appropriate tool.
Choice D rationale: The client's statement and symptoms raise concerns about possible postpartum depression. Using a postpartum depression screening tool will help the nurse assess the severity of the client's symptoms and determine the appropriate course of action.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A protruding abdomen is not specifically associated with being small for gestational age and can have various other causes in newborns.
Choice B rationale:
A gray umbilical cord is not a typical finding associated with being small for gestational age. Choice C rationale:
Moist skin is not a specific finding associated with being small for gestational age and can be observed in all newborns.
Choice D rationale:
Wide skull sutures are associated with being small for gestational age, as the skull bones may not fully close due to restricted growth in the womb.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Massaging the area is not recommended because the client's symptoms could indicate a possible deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and massaging could dislodge a clot and cause harm.
Choice B rationale:
Applying cold compresses is not recommended if DVT is suspected, as it could potentially worsen the condition.
Choice C rationale:
Flexing the knee while resting is not recommended if DVT is suspected, as it could potentially worsen the condition and increase the risk of a clot traveling to the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
Choice D rationale:
Elevating the leg can help reduce swelling and improve blood flow. However, the client should still see the provider for further evaluation of possible DVT.

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