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.

Answer and Explanation

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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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Injecting the medication into the vastus lateralis. This is because the vastus lateralis is a large muscle in the thigh that is suitable for intramuscular injections in newborns³. The vitamin K injection helps prevent vitamin K deficiency bleeding, which is a rare but serious condition that can cause bleeding in the brain or other organs¹. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all newborns receive a single intramuscular dose of 0.5 to 1 mg of vitamin K within one hour of birth².

Choice A is wrong because a 21 gauge needle is too large for a newborn's muscle. A 25 or 27 gauge needle is more appropriate.

Choice B is wrong because injecting at a 45-degree angle may not reach the muscle tissue. A 90-degree angle is more appropriate.

Choice C is wrong because injecting 1cc of medication is too much for a newborn's muscle. The recommended dose of vitamin K is 0.5 to 1 mg, which is equivalent to 0.05 to 0.1 mL.

A. Clear the respiratory tract. B. Dry the infant off and cover the head. C. Stimulate the infant to cry. D. Clamp the umbilical cord.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Clear the respiratory tract. This is because clearing the respiratory tract is the first step in the initial care of a newborn following vaginal delivery. The respiratory tract includes the nose, mouth, and lungs.

Clearing the respiratory tract helps the baby breathe more easily and prevents aspiration of amniotic fluid, blood, or mucus. The nurse can use a bulb syringe or a suction device to gently remove any fluid from the baby's nose and mouth.

Choice B is not correct because drying the infant off and covering the head is not the first action to take. Drying and covering the infant helps prevent heat loss and hypothermia, which are important for newborn care. However, this should be done after clearing the respiratory tract.

Choice C is not correct because stimulating the infant to cry is not the first action to take. Stimulating the infant to cry can help expand the lungs and improve oxygenation, which is also important for newborn care. However, this should be done after clearing the respiratory tract.

Choice D is not correct because clamping the umbilical cord is not the first action to take. Clamping and cutting the umbilical cord separates the baby from the placenta, which is no longer needed after birth. However, this should be done after clearing the respiratory tract.

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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?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is preparing to administer the vitamin K injection to a newborn. Which action would be correct for this client?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is assisting with the care of a newborn following a vaginal delivery. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform first?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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