A nurse is caring for a client who is 4 hr postpartum. The nurse finds a small amount of lochia rubra on the client's perineal pad. The fundus is midline and firm at the umbilicus. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Increase the rate of IV fluids.
Assist the client to ambulate.
Perform fundal massage.
Check for blood under the client's buttock.
The Correct Answer is D
Check for blood under the client's buttock. This is because lochia rubra is the normal vaginal discharge that occurs after childbirth, consisting of blood, mucus, and tissue from the placenta and the uterus lining. It is usually heavy for the first three to four days and can pool under the client's buttocks if they are lying down. Checking for blood under the buttock can help assess the amount of bleeding and prevent complications such as infection or hemorrhage.
The other choices are not correct for the following reasons:
A. Increasing the rate of the IV fluids is not necessary because the client's fundus is firm and midline, indicating that the uterus is contracting well and preventing excessive bleeding.
B. Assisting the client to ambulate is not advisable because it can increase the lochia flow and cause fainting or dizziness due to blood loss.
C. Performing fundal massage is not indicated because the fundus is already firm and midline, meaning that the uterus is adequately contracted. Massaging a firm fundus can cause pain and discomfort to the client.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This is because lochia rubra is the first stage of lochia, the vaginal discharge after giving birth. It comprises blood, shreds of fetal membranes, decidua, vernix caseosa, lanugo, and membranes. It is red in color because of the large amount of blood it contains. It lasts 1 to 4 days after birth.
Choice A is not correct because lochia alba is the last stage of lochia. It is whitish or yellowish-white in color and contains fewer red blood cells and more leukocytes, epithelial cells, cholesterol, fat, mucus, and microorganisms. It lasts from the second through the third to sixth weeks after delivery.
Choice B is not correct because there is no such thing as lochia normal. Lochia has three stages: lochia rubra, lochia serosa and lochia alba.
Choice C is not correct because lochia serosa is the second stage of lochia. It is brownish or pink in color and contains serous exudate, erythrocytes, leukocytes, cervical mucus, and microorganisms. It lasts for 4 to 12 days after delivery.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Endometritis. This is because the client's symptoms suggest that she has endometritis, which is an infection of the lining of the uterus. Endometritis is a common postpartum complication that can occur after vaginal or cesarean delivery. The client may also have foul-smelling vaginal discharge, chills, and fatigue.
Choice B is wrong because cystitis is an infection of the bladder that causes pain or burning during urination, not cramping.
Choice C is wrong because dehydration does not cause fever or persistent cramping.
Choice D is wrong because hypovolemic shock is a condition of low blood volume that causes low blood pressure, rapid pulse, and pale skin, not fever or cramping.
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