A nurse is caring for a client who is 24 hr postpartum. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
WBC count 12,000/mm3 (5,000 to 10,000/mm3)
Temperature 37.8° C (100° F)
Respiratory rate 16/min
Hgb 8 g/dL (less than 11 g/dL)
The Correct Answer is D
A. WBC count 12,000/mm³: A mild elevation in white blood cell count is expected within the first few days postpartum as part of the normal inflammatory response due to the stress of labor and delivery.. A count of 12,000/mm³ is not alarming and does not necessarily indicate infection or a complication.
B. Temperature 37.8°C (100°F): A low-grade temperature elevation within the first 24 hours postpartum is common due to hormonal shifts, dehydration, or exertion from labor. This finding would not immediately require provider notification unless it persists or rises higher.
C. Respiratory rate 16/min: A respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute is within normal adult limits and does not suggest respiratory distress or any postpartum complication, so no intervention is required for this finding.
D. Hgb 8 g/dL: A hemoglobin level of 8 g/dL is significantly low and can indicate postpartum hemorrhage or significant blood loss. This degree of anemia should be reported promptly to the provider to assess the need for interventions such as blood transfusion or iron supplementation.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
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Correct Answer is []
Explanation
- Prepare the client for an emergency cesarean birth: Emergency cesarean delivery is indicated in cases of fetal distress or placenta previa with severe bleeding at term. In a hydatidiform mole, there is no viable fetus, and the priority is evacuation of the molar tissue rather than delivery by cesarean section.
- Prepare the client for suction curettage: Suction curettage is the treatment of choice for a hydatidiform mole. It allows for the complete evacuation of abnormal trophoblastic tissue, preventing complications such as severe hemorrhage and progression to malignant gestational trophoblastic disease.
- Anticipate a prescription for methotrexate: Methotrexate is primarily used to treat ectopic pregnancies or persistent gestational trophoblastic disease after a molar pregnancy, not for initial management. Immediate evacuation of the mole by suction curettage is the first-line intervention for this client.
- Remind the client that weekly blood tests are needed to measure pregnancy hormone: Following a molar pregnancy, weekly beta-hCG tests are critical to monitor for residual trophoblastic tissue or the development of choriocarcinoma. A declining beta-hCG confirms the resolution of disease, while a plateau or rise indicates persistent disease.
- Administer terbutaline: Terbutaline is a tocolytic medication used to relax the uterus in cases of preterm labor. In the case of a hydatidiform mole, uterine evacuation is necessary rather than uterine relaxation, making terbutaline inappropriate for this situation.
- Vaginal bleeding: Clients with a hydatidiform mole are at risk for significant vaginal bleeding due to the abnormal growth of trophoblastic tissue. Monitoring the amount and type of vaginal bleeding helps detect hemorrhage or retained molar tissue requiring urgent intervention.
- Blood pressure: Elevated blood pressure is a potential complication of hydatidiform mole, similar to preeclampsia, and can occur even in the first or second trimester. Regular monitoring of blood pressure is essential to detect worsening hypertensive symptoms early.
- Uterus for hypertonicity: Hypertonicity of the uterus is typically monitored in cases of labor or uterine rupture concerns. In a hydatidiform mole, the uterus is distended by abnormal tissue but hypertonicity is not a primary concern needing monitoring in this condition.
- Unilateral pelvic pain: Unilateral pelvic pain is more characteristic of ectopic pregnancy rather than a molar pregnancy. In hydatidiform mole, generalized uterine enlargement and discomfort are more typical, so unilateral pelvic pain is not a focus for this client.
- Cervical dilation per provider: Cervical dilation is not the main indicator of progress or concern with a molar pregnancy. The focus is on removing molar tissue and monitoring beta-hCG levels, not on the progress of cervical changes like in labor.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Hold the catheter with the dominant hand during insertion: The dominant hand should be used to insert the catheter because it provides better control and precision during the sterile procedure. The nondominant hand is used to expose and maintain the position of the urethra but is considered contaminated once touching the client.
B. Advance catheter 7.5 cm (3 in) after urine begins to flow: The catheter should be advanced approximately 2.5 to 5 cm (1 to 2 inches) further after urine appears, not 7.5 cm. Advancing too far could cause discomfort or trauma to the bladder.
C. Hang collection bag below the level of the bladder: While this is an important step in managing the catheter after insertion to prevent backflow and infection, it does not specifically pertain to the insertion process itself.
D. Lubricate the catheter 12.5 cm (5 in) prior to insertion: Typically, for female catheterization, about 2.5 to 5 cm (1 to 2 inches) of the catheter is lubricated, not 12.5 cm. Excessive lubrication is unnecessary and may cause difficulty during insertion.
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