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: While smoking during pregnancy can have adverse effects on both the mother and the baby, it is not the most common risk factor for placental abruption.
Choice B rationale: Maternal battering, or experiencing domestic violence, can have serious consequences for the pregnant woman and her unborn baby, but it is not the most common risk factor for placental abruption.
Choice C rationale: Maternal cocaine use during pregnancy can lead to various complications, but it is not the most common risk factor for placental abruption.
Choice D rationale: Maternal hypertension is the most common risk factor for placental abruption. Placental abruption is a serious condition where the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery, leading to potential complications for both the mother and the baby. Hypertension can cause changes in blood vessels that increase the risk of placental abruption.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A gynaecoid pelvis is considered the most favorable pelvic shape for childbirth and is not a contributing cause of difficult, prolonged labor.
Choice B rationale:
A longitudinal fetal lie (baby's spine aligned with the mother's spine) is a normal and favorable presentation for birth and is not a contributing cause of difficult, prolonged labor.
Choice C rationale:
A persistent occiput posterior position (baby's head facing the mother's abdomen instead of her back) can be a contributing cause of difficult, prolonged labor and may lead to a severe backache for the mother.
Choice D rationale:
Fetal attitude in general flexion (baby's head flexed forward, chin to chest) is a normal and favorable presentation for birth and is not a contributing cause of difficult, prolonged labor.
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