A nurse is caring for a primiparous client in the postpartum unit. The client was induced at 41 weeks gestation with misoprostol and oxytocin and gave birth vaginally 4 days ago. She was discharged home on day two with her newborn and has been breastfeeding around the clock. She called her healthcare provider this morning with fatigue, new-onset headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, and seeing "flashing lights."
Exhibits:
The nurse reviews the client's history, physical, and flow sheet to determine the cause of the client's symptoms. Highlight the information from the history, physical, and flow sheet that require further evaluation. Select all that apply.
Hemoglobin 10.4 g/dL (6.45 mmol/L)
Platelets 150,000/mm³ (150 x 10⁹/L)
New-onset headache
Vomiting small amount of yellow fluid
Right upper quadrant pain
Seeing flashing lights
Elevated blood pressure
Iron supplementation
Correct Answer : C,D,E,F,G
Choice A rationale: Hemoglobin of 10.4 g/dL is slightly below the normal range for non-pregnant women (12-16 g/dL) but may be acceptable postpartum. Mild anemia can cause fatigue but doesn't explain the new-onset headache, dizziness, or elevated blood pressure.
Choice B rationale: Platelet count of 150,000/mm³ is within the normal range (150,000-450,000/mm³). Thrombocytopenia would be a concern if platelets were below 150,000/mm³, as it can cause bleeding, but it doesn't correlate with the client's symptoms.
Choice C rationale: New-onset headache, especially unrelieved by ibuprofen, is concerning. Postpartum preeclampsia can present with a severe headache. The headache, combined with elevated blood pressure, requires further investigation for potential complications like cerebral edema or hypertensive encephalopathy.
Choice D rationale: Vomiting yellow fluid may indicate gastrointestinal distress or bile. In the context of right upper quadrant pain and elevated blood pressure, it raises concerns for conditions like HELLP syndrome or liver involvement. Further evaluation is needed to rule out these possibilities.
Choice E rationale: Right upper quadrant pain can be a symptom of postpartum preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome, where liver enzymes are elevated. Pain in this area combined with other symptoms like headache, nausea, and elevated blood pressure warrants further investigation.
Choice F rationale: Seeing flashing lights is a potential sign of visual disturbances related to severe hypertension or preeclampsia. It can be an indication of impending eclampsia or other complications like retinal detachment or cerebral edema. This symptom must be promptly evaluated.
Choice G rationale: Elevated blood pressure (169/104 mm Hg) is a critical finding. Normal postpartum blood pressure should be below 140/90 mm Hg. Severe hypertension postpartum can lead to complications like preeclampsia, eclampsia, or stroke. Immediate medical evaluation is required.
Choice H rationale: Iron supplementation is common postpartum to address mild anemia and restore iron levels depleted during pregnancy and delivery. While important for recovery, it does not explain the new-onset headache, elevated blood pressure, or other symptoms reported by the client.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Confirming Rh and Coombs status is essential for Rho(D) immunoglobulin administration, but it is not the immediate priority during acute bleeding as it does not directly address maternal or fetal distress.
Choice B rationale
Performing a sterile vaginal examination could potentially worsen bleeding if placental abruption or previa is present, making it a less safe option. The immediate concern is to assess fetal and maternal well-being.
Choice C rationale
Assessing the fetal heart rate and contraction pattern provides critical information on the fetus's condition and helps determine whether there is fetal distress, which is vital in deciding the urgency of interventions.
Choice D rationale
Determining fetal position using Leopold maneuvers is not a priority during acute bleeding episodes since it does not provide immediate information on fetal well-being or the cause of the bleeding.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Notifying the nursery about the client’s response is not an immediate intervention. It is more important to manage uterine contractions and fetal oxygenation before informing other departments about the client's condition.
Choice B rationale
Restarting the oxytocin infusion rate per protocol is necessary to resume labor induction. Oxytocin increases uterine contractions, promoting cervical dilation and progression of labor. Continuous monitoring is required to adjust the dosage.
Choice C rationale
Stopping oxygen per cannula is not recommended if fetal distress is present. Oxygen supplementation ensures adequate fetal oxygenation during uterine contractions, reducing the risk of hypoxia and related complications.
Choice D rationale
Checking for clonus in both feet is not relevant to the current scenario. Clonus is a neurological sign indicating hyperreflexia, often unrelated to labor management. The focus should be on managing uterine contractions and fetal well-being.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.