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:
In the case of a client with painless, bright red vaginal bleeding at 38 weeks of gestation, the priority is to stabilize the client's condition. Initiating IV access is crucial as it allows for rapid administration of fluids or blood products to address potential hypovolemia and to prepare for the possibility of an emergency cesarean section if needed. The client's low blood pressure and elevated heart rate suggest that she may be experiencing hypovolemia, which can quickly lead to hypovolemic shock if not treated promptly.
Choice B reason:
While obtaining informed consent is important before any surgical procedure, it is not the immediate priority. The priority is to stabilize the client, and consent can be obtained concurrently with other stabilizing actions or by another member of the healthcare team.
Choice C reason:
Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter is a supportive measure that can be necessary during labor or before surgery to keep the bladder empty, reducing the risk of bladder injury during a cesarean section and monitoring urine output as an indicator of renal perfusion. However, it is not the first priority in the presence of significant vaginal bleeding.
Choice D reason:
Preparing the abdominal and perineal areas is part of the preoperative procedure for a cesarean section. This action would follow after the client has been stabilized and a decision for surgery has been made.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Nausea can be a common side effect of many medications and does not necessarily indicate toxicity. While it can be uncomfortable for the patient, nausea alone, without other symptoms, is not typically a sign of magnesium sulfate toxicity.
Choice B reason:
Drowsiness is another side effect that can occur with various medications and medical conditions. It may be a symptom of magnesium sulfate toxicity, especially if it is severe or combined with other symptoms, but on its own, it is not a definitive indicator of toxicity.
Choice C reason:
Facial flushing can be a reaction to medication, including magnesium sulfate, and may occur even at therapeutic levels. It is not usually a sign of toxicity unless accompanied by more serious symptoms.
Choice D reason:
Respiratory depression is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can indicate magnesium sulfate toxicity. It is characterized by a decrease in the ability to breathe and a drop in oxygen levels. This is a critical finding that requires immediate medical attention and intervention.
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