A nurse is caring for a client who is 4 hours postpartum following a vaginal birth. The client has saturated a perineal pad within 10 minutes. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Prepare to administer a prescribed oxytocic preparation.
Assess the bladder for distention.
Massage the client's fundus.
Assess the client's blood pressure.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
Administering a prescribed oxytocic preparation is an important step in managing postpartum hemorrhage, as it helps to contract the uterus and reduce bleeding. However, it is not the first action a nurse should take when a client has saturated a perineal pad within 10 minutes postpartum.
Choice B reason:
Assessing the bladder for distention is also important because a full bladder can impede the contraction of the uterus and lead to increased bleeding. However, this is not the immediate action to take in the event of excessive postpartum bleeding.
Choice C reason:
Massaging the client's fundus is the first action the nurse should take. A boggy uterus, which is soft and not well contracted, can lead to excessive bleeding. Fundal massage stimulates the uterus to contract and can quickly reduce blood loss.
Choice D reason:
Assessing the client's blood pressure is vital to determine the client's hemodynamic status, but it is not the first action to take. The priority is to address the cause of the bleeding and stabilize the client.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Cervical dilation is a definitive sign that labor has begun. During labor, the cervix dilates to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal. The process of cervical dilation begins gradually and progresses until it reaches 10 cm, which is considered full dilation. In a primigravida, or a woman who is pregnant for the first time, this process can take longer compared to women who have given birth before.
Choice B reason:
The presence of amniotic fluid in the vaginal vault could indicate that the client's water has broken, which can be a sign of labor. However, it is not a definitive sign of labor on its own, as the membranes can rupture before labor begins (prelabor rupture of membranes). It is also possible for a woman to have a leak of amniotic fluid without being in active labor.
Choice C reason:
Pain above the umbilicus is not typically associated with labor. Labor pains, or contractions, are usually felt as a tightening or cramping sensation that starts in the back and moves to the front of the abdomen. The pain is more commonly located in the lower abdomen and pelvic area.
Choice D reason:
A brownish vaginal discharge, often referred to as "bloody show," can be a sign that labor is approaching, but it does not confirm that labor has begun. The bloody show is caused by the expulsion of the mucus plug that blocks the cervical canal during pregnancy. While it indicates that the cervix is starting to change, it can occur days before labor starts.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Administering oxygen using a non-rebreather mask is a subsequent step if initial measures do not improve fetal heart rate decelerations. It can help increase the amount of oxygen available to the fetus. Oxygen administration is a supportive measure that can be used if there are signs of fetal distress. In the scenario described, where the fetal heart rate slows after the start of a contraction with the lowest rate occurring after the peak, it suggests late decelerations, which are often associated with uteroplacental insufficiency. Administering oxygen can help increase the fetal oxygen reserve and is a common intervention during labor when there are concerns about fetal well-being.
Choice B reason:
Increasing the rate of maintenance IV infusion is typically considered when there is a concern for maternal hypotension or dehydration, which may not be the immediate cause of the observed fetal heart rate pattern. Increasing the rate of an IV infusion can help improve maternal hydration and blood pressure, which in turn can enhance placental perfusion. However, this intervention is more indirect and may not provide the immediate response needed to address fetal heart rate decelerations. It is typically considered after more direct interventions, such as repositioning the mother, have been attempted.
Choice C reason:
Elevating the client's legs can help improve venous return to the heart, potentially increasing maternal cardiac output and blood flow to the placenta. While this can be beneficial, it is not the primary intervention for late decelerations. Repositioning the mother to improve uteroplacental circulation is generally the first step.
Choice D reason:
Placing the client in the lateral position is often the first action taken when late decelerations are observed. This position helps improve uteroplacental blood flow and can quickly address potential issues related to fetal oxygenation. This position helps to relieve pressure on the inferior vena cava and aorta, which can be compressed by the gravid uterus, especially in the supine position. Relieving this pressure helps to improve uteroplacental circulation and can quickly address the cause of late decelerations, which is often related to compromised blood flow to the placenta.
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