A nurse is caring for a client who is requesting to go to the bathroom immediately after a vaginal birth. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Inform the client that she can go to the bathroom whenever needed.
Evaluate the side effects of analgesia used during labor.
Advise the client to remain in bed for the next few hours.
Assist the client to the bathroom using a wheelchair.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Inform the client that she can go to the bathroom whenever needed is incorrect, as this action can put the client at risk of injury or complications. The client may experience orthostatic hypotension, dizziness, weakness, or bleeding after a vaginal birth, which can impair their ability to ambulate safely and independently. The nurse should assist the client to the bathroom and monitor their vital signs and lochia.
Choice B reason: This is the correct action. The nurse should assess the client for any residual effects of analgesia, such as dizziness or unsteadiness, which could increase the risk of falls if the client tries to get up.
Choice C reason: Advise the client to remain in bed for the next few hours is incorrect, as this action can increase the risk of bladder distension, infection, or thrombosis. The nurse should encourage and assist the client to ambulate early and frequently after a vaginal birth, as long as there are no contraindications. The nurse should also monitor the client for signs of orthostatic hypotension and provide support as needed.
Choice D reason: While assisting the client is a good approach, it is important to first evaluate her condition to ensure it is safe for her to get out of bed. If she has been assessed and is deemed safe to ambulate, assisting her to the bathroom with support might be appropriate. However, the initial step is to assess her condition.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice B reason:
A fundus that is elevated and displaced from the midline indicates a full bladder, which can interfere with uterine contraction and increase the risk of hemorrhage. The nurse should assist the client to void or catheterize her if necessary.
Choice A reason:
Moderate swelling of the labia is a normal finding after vaginal delivery, and does not indicate a need to urinate. The nurse should apply ice packs and perineal pads to reduce edema and discomfort.
Choice C reason:
Moderate lochia rubra is a normal finding during the first 24 hr postpartum, and does not indicate a need to urinate. The nurse should monitor the amount and color of lochia, and change the perineal pads as needed.
Choice D reason:
A blood pressure of 130/84 mm Hg is within the normal range for a postpartum client, and does not indicate a need to urinate. The nurse should monitor the blood pressure for signs of hypertension or hypotension, which can indicate complications such as preeclampsia or hemorrhage.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Bloody show from the vagina is incorrect, as this finding is normal and expected in the second stage of labor. Bloody show refers to the passage of mucus and blood from the cervix, which indicates cervical dilation and effacement.
Choice B reason:
Early decelerations in the FHR is incorrect, as this finding is normal and benign in the second stage of labor. Early decelerations are symmetrical decreases in the FHR that mirror the contractions, which indicate fetal head compression and vagal stimulation. The nurse should continue to monitor the FHR and document the findings.
Choice C reason:
Pelvic pressure with contractions is incorrect, as this finding is normal and expected in the second stage of labor. Pelvic pressure indicates that the fetus is descending into the birth canal and that the client is ready to push.
Choice D reason:
Uterine contraction lasting 2 min is correct, as this finding is abnormal and potentially dangerous in any stage of labor. Uterine contraction lasting 2 min can indicate uterine tetany or hyperstimulation, which can cause fetal distress, placental abruption, uterine rupture, or maternal hemorrhage. The nurse should report this finding to the provider immediately and prepare to intervene as ordered.
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