A nurse is caring for a client with postpartum hemorrhage.
The provider has ordered Methylergonovine 200 mcg intravenously to be administered stat. The nurse should perform which priority assessment prior to administering this medication?
Assess the client’s pain scale.
Assess the client’s respiratory rate.
Assess the client’s blood pressure.
Assess the client’s last bowel movement.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is choice C. Assess the client’s blood pressure. Methylergonovine is a uterotonic medication that can cause hypertension and is contraindicated for clients with preeclampsia or cardiac disease.
Therefore, the nurse should check the client’s blood pressure before administering this medication to ensure it is within normal range (120/80 mm Hg or lower).
Choice A is wrong because assessing the client’s pain scale is not a priority assessment before giving methylergonovine.
Pain is not a contraindication for this medication and does not affect its effectiveness.
Choice B is wrong because assessing the client’s respiratory rate is not a priority assessment before giving methylergonovine.
Respiratory rate is not affected by this medication and does not indicate any adverse effects.
Choice D is wrong because assessing the client’s last bowel movement is not a priority assessment before giving methylergonovine.
Bowel movement is not related to postpartum hemorrhage or uterine atony, which are the indications for this medication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. The administration route of terbutaline will be changed from intravenous to oral.
This is because terbutaline is a medication that can be used to suppress preterm labor by relaxing the uterine smooth muscle.It can be given subcutaneously or intravenously for acute episodes of preterm labor, but it is not recommended for long-term use due to the risk of serious maternal and fetal adverse effects.Therefore, if the client’s condition stabilizes, the administration route of terbutaline will be changed from intravenous to oral, which has a lower bioavailability and less systemic effects.
Choice A is wrong because terbutaline is not usually self-administered parenterally by the client at home.It requires a trained health professional to give it as a shot under the skin or through a vein.
Choice C is wrong because the client does not need to remain in a private room without visitors until she has been without contractions for 48 hours.
This is an unnecessary restriction that may increase the client’s stress and anxiety.
The client should be encouraged to have social support and emotional comfort during this time.
Choice D is wrong because the client should not ambulate in the hallway after 12 hours without contractions.
This may stimulate uterine activity and cause a recurrence of preterm labor.
The client should follow the provider’s instructions on bed rest and activity limitations.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A. “Your labor may slow down if you receive an epidural now.” An epidural is a type of regional anesthesia that blocks pain in a specific area of the body.
It can be used to reduce pain during labor and delivery.
However, an epidural can also have some side effects, such as lowering blood pressure, causing fever, and slowing down labor progress.
Therefore, it is usually recommended to wait until the cervix is at least 4 to 5 cm dilated and the contractions are strong and regular before receiving an epidural.
Choice B is wrong because there is no fixed rule about how dilated the cervix needs to be before receiving an epidural.
Some women may receive an epidural earlier or later than others, depending on their pain level, medical history, and preferences.
Choice C is wrong because catheterization is not a prerequisite for receiving an epidural.
Catheterization is the insertion of a tube into the bladder to drain urine.
It may be done after receiving an epidural because the anesthesia can affect the ability to urinate.
However, it is not required before receiving an epidural.
Choice D is wrong because the station of the baby does not determine when a woman can have an epidural.
The station of the baby refers to how far the baby has descended into the pelvis.
It is measured in relation to the ischial spines, which are bony landmarks in the pelvis.
A positive station means that the baby is below the spines, while a negative station means that the baby is above the spines.
Zero station means that the baby is at the level of the spines.
The station of the baby does not affect the administration of an epidural, as long as there are no other complications or contraindications.
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