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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Determine the client’s temperature. This is because shaking chills during the immediate postpartum period can be a sign of infection, such as endometritis or mastitis. Infection is a serious complication that can lead to sepsis and shock if not treated promptly. The nurse should measure the client’s temperature and look for other signs of infection, such as foul-smelling lochia, breast tenderness, or tachycardia.
Choice A is wrong because placing the client on seizure precautions is not indicated for shaking chills. Seizure precautions are used for clients who have eclampsia or other conditions that increase the risk of seizures.
Choice B is wrong because covering the client with warm blankets may not be helpful for shaking chills. Warm blankets may increase the body temperature and worsen the infection.
Choice C is wrong because notifying the charge nurse is not the first action the nurse should take. The nurse should assess the client’s condition before reporting to the charge nurse or the provider.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
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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