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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Notifying the provider of the findings is important, but it is not the immediate priority. The provider should be informed after initial measures to stabilize the client's condition have been taken.
Choice B reason:
Positioning the client with one hip elevated, also known as the lateral or left-lateral position, is the priority action. This position can help improve blood flow and potentially increase the maternal blood pressure, which is critically low at 92/54 mm Hg. It also helps to optimize uteroplacental perfusion, which is essential for the well-being of both the mother and the fetus.
Choice C reason:
Having the client void can be helpful in preventing bladder distention, which can interfere with labor progress. However, it is not the priority action when the client's blood pressure is significantly low.
Choice D reason:
Asking the client if she needs pain medication is an important part of comfort care during labor. However, addressing the client's low blood pressure is a more immediate concern to prevent potential complications for both the mother and the fetus.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Initiating pushing in a client with suspected placenta previa is contraindicated. Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta covers the cervix, and pushing could lead to severe bleeding and compromise both the mother and the fetus. The normal labor process involves pushing only after full cervical dilation, and in the case of placenta previa, this could exacerbate the condition.
Choice B reason:
Preparation for cesarean birth is the correct action when placenta previa is suspected. With placenta previa, vaginal delivery could cause significant hemorrhage due to the placenta's position over the cervical opening. A cesarean birth bypasses the cervix, thereby avoiding disruption of the placenta and preventing excessive bleeding.
Choice C reason:
Magnesium sulfate is used in obstetrics to prevent seizures in preeclampsia and to delay preterm labor, not for placenta previa. While it is important to manage the client's overall condition, magnesium sulfate would not address the immediate concern of potential hemorrhage due to placenta previa.
Choice D reason:
An examination to determine cervical status in the presence of placenta previa should be avoided unless absolutely necessary and performed under controlled conditions, such as in an operating room where a cesarean delivery can be performed if needed. Digital cervical examinations can dislodge the placenta and cause bleeding.
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