A nurse is caring for a patient who is 36 hours postpartum.
After reviewing the information in the patient’s medical record, which of the following complications pose a greater
risk for the patient?
Perineal pad clots
Pelvic pain
Boggy uterus
Breast Engorgement
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Perineal pad clots are not the greatest risk for this patient. While it’s important to monitor the amount and type of lochia, the nurse’s notes indicate that the patient has a moderate amount of lochia rubra, which is normal within the first few days postpartum. Large clots could indicate a problem such as a retained placental fragment, but this is not mentioned in
the scenario.
Choice B rationale:
Pelvic pain is a common complaint after childbirth due to uterine contractions, especially during breastfeeding, and usually resolves within a few days. The patient’s pain is rated as 4 on a scale of 0 to 10, which is considered moderate. While it’s important to manage the patient’s pain, it’s not the greatest risk in this scenario.
Choice C rationale:
A boggy uterus poses the greatest risk for this patient. A boggy or soft uterus indicates uterine atony, which is a lack of normal muscle tone that can lead to excessive bleeding. This is a serious condition that can lead to postpartum hemorrhage if not treated promptly. The nurse’s notes indicate that the patient’s fundus is boggy and located above the umbilicus, which is a concern. The fundus should be firm and gradually descend into the pelvis within the first few days postpartum.
Choice D rationale:
Breast engorgement is a common discomfort that occurs when the breasts are overly full with milk. It typically occurs within the first week postpartum as the milk supply increases. The nurse’s notes indicate that the patient’s breasts are soft, warm, and tender to touch, which is normal. While it’s important to manage the patient’s comfort, breast
engorgement is not the greatest risk in this scenario.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Applying lotion to the newborn’s skin during phototherapy is not recommended. Lotion can block the light from reaching the skin and reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.
Choice B rationale
Covering the newborn’s eyes with a mask during phototherapy is a standard practice. This is done to protect the newborn’s eyes from the intense light used in phototherapy.
Choice C rationale
An increase in stool frequency is expected during phototherapy. This is because phototherapy helps to break down bilirubin, which is then excreted in the stool.
Choice D rationale
A pink rash on the newborn’s trunk does not require intervention during phototherapy. It could be a common newborn rash that will resolve on its own.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C: Respiratory rate.
Choice A rationale:
Fetal heart rate (FHR) is an important assessment for clients experiencing preterm labor, but it is not the priority assessment when administering magnesium sulfate. FHR monitoring is crucial to ensure fetal well-being but is not directly related to the potential adverse effects of magnesium sulfate.
Choice B rationale:
Temperature is an essential assessment parameter, but it is not the priority in this case. Magnesium sulfate administration can cause adverse effects, particularly on the respiratory system, which should be closely monitored.
Choice C rationale:
Respiratory rate is the correct choice because respiratory rate is a priority assessment when administering magnesium sulfate. The drug can cause respiratory depression and other respiratory complications, so monitoring the respiratory rate is essential to ensure the client's safety.
Choice D rationale:
Bowel sounds are not a priority assessment for a client receiving magnesium sulfate. While gastrointestinal side effects can occur with magnesium sulfate use, respiratory assessments take precedence.
In conclusion, the priority nursing assessment for a client receiving magnesium sulfate is the respiratory rate due to the potential respiratory complications associated with the drug. Monitoring respiratory function closely can help prevent adverse outcomes and ensure the client's safety during treatment.
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