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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Ringing in the ears: Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) is not a common adverse effect of enoxaparin. It is typically associated with medications like aspirin or other salicylates, not low-molecular-weight heparins like enoxaparin.
B. Black, tarry stools: Black, tarry stools are a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding, which is a serious potential adverse effect of anticoagulant medications like enoxaparin. Clients taking enoxaparin should be instructed to report this symptom immediately, as it could indicate internal bleeding.
C. Fine hand tremors: Fine hand tremors are not a known adverse effect of enoxaparin. They are more commonly associated with other medications, such as certain psychiatric drugs or neurologic conditions.
D. Diarrhea: Diarrhea is not a common adverse effect of enoxaparin. While gastrointestinal symptoms can occur with many medications, it is not a primary concern or indication for discontinuing enoxaparin.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. A client who requires sterile dressing changes every three hours: Sterile dressing changes require skilled nursing care and must be performed by a licensed nurse. An assistive personnel (AP) is not trained or authorized to perform sterile procedures, making this assignment inappropriate.
B. A client who has a small bowel obstruction and requires insertion of a nasogastric tube: Inserting a nasogastric tube is an invasive procedure that requires clinical judgment and proper technique, which are responsibilities of licensed nursing staff, not assistive personnel.
C. A client who is postoperative and requires intake and output measurement every 2 hr: Measuring and recording intake and output is within the scope of practice for assistive personnel. It is a routine, noninvasive task that does not require nursing assessment or judgment.
D. A client on hospice who is unstable and requires frequent vital sign checks: An unstable hospice client requires close monitoring and clinical assessment. Although assistive personnel can measure vital signs, evaluating changes and determining their significance must be done by licensed nursing staff.
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