A nurse is caring for a postpartum client who had a difficult labor and delivery. The client expresses frustration and disappointment with her birth experience. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Tell the client that she should focus on the positive outcome of having a healthy baby.
Encourage the client to talk about her feelings and listen empathetically.
Explain to the client that her expectations were unrealistic and unachievable.
Suggest that the client seek professional counseling to cope with her emotions.
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is choice B. Encourage the client to talk about her feelings and listen empathetically.
This action shows respect for the client’s emotions and helps her process her experience.
It also allows the nurse to provide support and reassurance.
Choice A is wrong because it dismisses the client’s feelings and implies that she should not be upset.
This can make the client feel guilty or invalidated.
Choice C is wrong because it blames the client for having unrealistic and unachievable expectations.
This can make the client feel ashamed or defensive.
Choice D is wrong because it suggests that the client needs professional counselling to cope with her emotions.
This can make the client feel stigmatized or abnormal.
Normal ranges for postpartum emotions vary depending on the individual and the circumstances.
However, some signs of postpartum depression or post-traumatic stress disorder include persistent sadness, anxiety, anger, guilt, flashbacks, nightmares, insomnia, loss of interest, difficulty bonding with the baby, or thoughts of harming oneself or the baby.
These symptoms should be reported to a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Encourage her to participate in support groups.This is because support groups can help the postpartum client to share her feelings, learn coping skills, and receive emotional and social support from other mothers who have experienced postpartum depression.Support groups can also reduce the sense of isolation and stigma that some women with postpartum depression may feel.
Encourage her to sleep as much as possible is wrong because sleeping too much can be a sign of depression and can interfere with the mother’s ability to bond with her baby and perform daily activities.Sleeping too little can also worsen symptoms or increase the likelihood of postpartum depression due to sleep deprivation. Therefore, the mother should be encouraged to follow a healthy sleep routine and get help from others if needed.
Encourage her to avoid talking about her feelings is wrong because talking about feelings is an important part of psychotherapy, which is a recommended treatment for postpartum depression.Talking about feelings can help the mother to express her emotions, identify negative thoughts, and receive feedback and guidance from a mental health professional. Avoiding talking about feelings can lead to further isolation and distress.
Encourage her to spend time alone as much as possible is wrong because spending time alone can also increase the sense of isolation and loneliness that some women with postpartum depression may experience. Spending time alone can also prevent the mother from receiving help and support from others, such as her partner, family, friends, or healthcare providers. The mother should be encouraged to seek social support and engage in enjoyable activities with others.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C. Ask the patient to void.This is because a full bladder can displace the uterus and interfere with its contraction, which can lead to postpartum hemorrhageThe nurse should assess the patient’s uterus after ensuring that the bladder is empty.
Choice A is wrong because placing the patient on the left side does not affect the uterus assessment.It may help with blood circulation and oxygenation, but it is not necessary before checking the uterus.
Choice B is wrong because assessing the passage of lochia is part of the uterus assessment, not a prerequisite.Lochia is the vaginal discharge after giving birth, containing blood, mucus, and uterine tissueIt has three stages: lochia rubra (red), lochia serosa (pinkish brown), and lochia alba (yellowish white)
Choice D is wrong because administering a dose of oxytocin is not required before assessing the uterus.
Oxytocin is a hormone that stimulates uterine contractions and reduces bleeding.It may be given during or after labor to prevent or treat postpartum hemorrhage, but it is not a routine procedure.
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