A nurse is caring for a client who is postpartum and received methylergonovine (methergine). Which of the following findings indicates that the medication was effective?
Report of absent breast pain
Increase in lochia
Increase in blood pressure
Fundus firm to palpation
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A) Report of absent breast pain is incorrect because this is not a finding that indicates that the medication was effective, but rather a finding that indicates that the client does not have mastitis or engorgement. Mastitis is an infection of the breast tissue that causes pain, swelling, redness, and fever. Engorgement is a condition where the breasts become overfilled with milk, causing pain, hardness, and leakage. Both conditions are common in postpartum women who are breastfeeding, but they are not related to methylergonovine or uterine bleeding. Therefore, this response is irrelevant and inaccurate.
Choice B) Increase in lochia is incorrect because this is not a finding that indicates that the medication was effective, but rather a finding that indicates that the medication was ineffective or that the client has a complication. Lochia is the vaginal discharge that consists of blood, mucus, and tissue from the uterus after childbirth. It usually lasts for about 4 to 6 weeks and gradually decreases in amount and color. Methylergonovine is a medication that helps to control uterine bleeding by improving the tone and contractions of the uterus. An increase in lochia may mean that methylergonovine did not work well or that the client has a problem such as retained placenta, infection, or subinvolution. Therefore, this response is opposite and inaccurate.
Choice C) Increase in blood pressure is incorrect because this is not a finding that indicates that the medication was effective, but rather a finding that indicates that the client has a side effect or a risk factor. Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of the arteries. It is measured by two numbers: systolic (the pressure when the heart beats) and diastolic (the pressure when the heart rests). The normal range for blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg or lower. Methylergonovine is a medication that can cause vasoconstriction, which means narrowing of the blood vessels and increasing of the blood pressure. This can lead to complications such as hypertension, stroke, or heart attack. Therefore, this response is adverse and inaccurate.
Choice D) Fundus firm to palpation is correct because this is a finding that indicates that the medication was effective and that the client has a good outcome. The fundus is the upper part of the uterus that can be felt through the abdomen after childbirth. It should be firm, midline, and at or below the level of the navel. A firm fundus means that the uterus has contracted well and stopped bleeding. Methylergonovine is a medication that helps to achieve this by improving the tone and contractions of the uterus. Therefore, this response is positive and accurate.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A) Missed abortion: This is not the correct obstetric complication for methotrexate treatment. A missed abortion is a type of miscarriage in which the fetus has died but the products of conception are still retained in the uterus. Methotrexate is not used for this condition, as it can cause toxicity and bleeding. The usual treatment options for a missed abortion are expectant management, medical induction, or surgical evacuation.
Choice B) Abruptio placentae: This is not the correct obstetric complication for methotrexate treatment. Abruptio placentae is a condition in which the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery, causing bleeding and fetal distress. Methotrexate is not used for this condition, as it can worsen the bleeding and harm the fetus. The usual treatment options for abruptio placentae depend on the severity of the condition and the gestational age, but they may include fluid resuscitation, blood transfusion, tocolysis, or emergency delivery.
Choice C) Unruptured ectopic pregnancy: This is the correct obstetric complication for methotrexate treatment. An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that implants outside of the uterine cavity, usually in the fallopian tube. An unruptured ectopic pregnancy is one that has not caused any bleeding or rupture of the tube. Methotrexate is used for this condition, as it can dissolve the pregnancy tissue and prevent further growth and complications.
Methotrexate is given as an injection and works by inhibiting folic acid metabolism, which is essential for cell division.
Methotrexate is only suitable for patients who have stable vital signs, low levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and no fetal heartbeat or cardiac activity detected by ultrasound.
Choice D) Complete hydatidiform mole: This is not the correct obstetric complication for methotrexate treatment. A complete hydatidiform mole is a type of gestational trophoblastic disease in which there is an abnormal proliferation of placental tissue without any fetal development. Methotrexate is not used for this condition, as it can cause resistance and recurrence. The usual treatment option for a complete hydatidiform mole is suction curettage, which removes the molar tissue from the uterus.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A) Weight gain of 0.5 kg during the past 2 weeks: This is a normal weight gain for a pregnant woman and does not indicate preeclampsia.
Choice B) Pitting pedal edema at the end of the day: This is a common symptom of pregnancy and does not necessarily indicate preeclampsia. It can be relieved by elevating the legs and wearing compression stockings.
Choice C) Blood pressure increase to 138/86 mm Hg: This is a mild elevation of blood pressure and does not meet the criteria for preeclampsia, which is defined as a systolic blood pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher or a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher on two occasions at least four hours apart.
Choice D) Dipstick value of 3+ for protein in her urine: This is a sign of significant proteinuria, which is one of the main features of preeclampsia. Proteinuria is defined as a urinary protein excretion of 300 mg or more in 24 hours or a dipstick reading of 1+ or higher. A dipstick value of 3+ indicates severe proteinuria and requires immediate attention and treatment. This woman has the highest risk of developing complications from preeclampsia, such as eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, placental abruption, or fetal growth restriction . Therefore, she should be seen by the nurse first.
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