A nurse is caring for a client who is beginning to breastfeed her newborn after delivery. The new mother states, "I don't want to take anything for pain because I am breastfeeding." Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
We can time your pain medication so that you have an hour or two before the next feeding.
You need to take pain medications so you are more comfortable.
All medications are found in breast milk to some extent.
You have the option of not taking pain medication if you are concerned.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice a) reason:
Timing the administration of pain medication can help minimize the amount of medication that passes into the breast milk. By scheduling pain relief around breastfeeding times, the nurse can ensure that the peak concentration of the medication in the blood (and therefore potentially in the milk) does not coincide with the baby's feeding times. This approach helps manage the mother's pain while also protecting the newborn from unnecessary exposure to medication.
Choice b) reason:
While managing pain is important for the mother's comfort and recovery, stating that she needs to take medication without considering her concerns about breastfeeding may not be supportive or respectful of her wishes. It's essential to address her concerns and provide options that align with her breastfeeding goals.
Choice c) reason:
It is true that all medications can be found in breast milk to some extent; however, the levels can vary widely based on the medication's properties. The nurse should provide information about the specific medication's safety during breastfeeding and discuss any potential risks with the mother.
Choice d) reason:
Informing the mother that she has the option of not taking pain medication addresses her autonomy in decision-making. However, it's also important for the nurse to discuss the potential consequences of untreated pain, such as impaired ability to care for the newborn and delayed recovery.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Inserting an IV catheter is a standard procedure in many hospital admissions and can be necessary for administering medications and fluids. However, it is not the immediate priority in the case of placenta previa. Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta covers the cervix, and the main risk associated with it is bleeding.
Choice B reason:
Monitoring vaginal bleeding is the priority nursing action for a client with placenta previa. This condition can lead to significant bleeding, which can be life-threatening for both the mother and the fetus. The nurse must assess the amount, color, and duration of any bleeding to make timely decisions regarding the need for further medical intervention or potential delivery if the bleeding is severe.
Choice C reason:
Applying an external fetal monitor is important to assess the fetus's well-being, especially if there is vaginal bleeding or other complications. However, it is not the first action to take. The immediate concern with placenta previa is the risk of hemorrhage, which can compromise the oxygen supply to the fetus, making monitoring maternal bleeding a higher priority.
Choice D reason:
Administering glucocorticoids may be indicated to accelerate fetal lung maturity if preterm delivery is anticipated. While this is an important consideration in the management of placenta previa, especially if there is a risk of preterm birth, it is not the first line of action. The initial focus should be on assessing and controlling any bleeding to stabilize the mother's condition.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice a reason:
The fundus being soft and to the right of the umbilicus could indicate that the bladder is full and displacing the uterus. This is not an expected finding and would require the nurse to encourage the client to empty her bladder to help the uterus contract and return to its normal position.
Choice b reason:
The expected finding for a client who is 12 hours postpartum is for the fundus to be firm and at the level of the umbilicus. A firm fundus indicates good uterine tone and that the uterus is contracting as it should to return to its pre-pregnancy size. This helps to prevent excessive bleeding and promotes recovery.
Choice c reason:
A fundus that is soft and 2 cm above the umbilicus is not an expected finding at 12 hours postpartum. This could suggest that the uterus is not contracting properly, which could lead to postpartum hemorrhage. The nurse would need to assess further and possibly provide interventions such as fundal massage or medication to encourage uterine contractions.
Choice d reason:
The fundus being present to the left of the umbilicus may indicate that the uterus is not contracting symmetrically or that there is a full bladder displacing the uterus. This finding would prompt the nurse to assess for bladder distention and encourage the client to void to help the uterus contract properly.
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