A nurse is caring for a postpartum client who saturates a perineal pad in 10 minutes. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Administer oxytocin.
Observe for pooling of blood under the buttocks.
Check the client's blood pressure.
Massage the client's fundus.
The Correct Answer is D
Massage the client’s fundus. This is because the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage is uterine atony, which is the failure of the uterus to contract after delivery. Massaging the fundus can stimulate uterine contractions and reduce bleeding by compressing the blood vessels at the placental site.
Choice A is not correct because administering oxytocin is not the first action to take. Oxytocin is a medication that can also help the uterus contract, but it should be given after assessing the uterine tone and bleeding.
Choice B is not correct because observing for pooling of blood under the buttocks is not a priority action. It can help estimate the amount of blood loss, but it does not address the cause of bleeding or stop it.
Choice C is not correct because checking the client’s blood pressure is not the first action to take. Blood pressure can indicate hypovolemia due to blood loss, but it is not a sensitive indicator and may remain normal until a significant amount of blood is lost.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Hemorrhage. This is because postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is severe bleeding and loss of blood after childbirth that can lead to death. The most common cause of PPH is the uterus not contracting properly after delivery. The nurse needs to monitor the client’s pulse and blood pressure frequently to detect signs of shock and blood loss.
Choice A is wrong because thromboembolism is a blood clot that blocks a blood vessel, not a complication of bleeding.
Choice B is wrong because cervical laceration is a tear in the cervix that can cause bleeding, but it is not a common cause of PPH.
Choice C is wrong because hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus or rectum that can cause bleeding, but they are not a common cause of PPH.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The baby sleeps with the mother in bed. This is because sleeping with the baby in the same bed increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), suffocation, strangulation, and entrapment. The nurse should have assessed the mother’s sleeping arrangements for the baby and provided education on safe sleep practices before discharge. The nurse should advise the mother to place the baby on a firm surface, such as a crib or bassinet, in the same room but not in the same bed as the mother.
Choice B is wrong because having windows covered with screens is not a sign of inadequate home assessment. Screens can help prevent insects and other animals from entering the home and posing a health hazard.
Choice C is wrong because having a refrigerator in the kitchen is not a sign of inadequate home assessment. A refrigerator can help store food and breast milk safely and prevent spoilage and contamination.
Choice D is wrong because having a changing area for the baby is not a sign of inadequate home assessment. A changing area can help keep the baby clean and comfortable and prevent diaper rash and infection.
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