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A nurse is caring for the client.

 

Exhibits

Nurses' Notes

Postpartum Day 3, 0815:

Client reports feeling unwell. Lung sounds clear but diminished in the bases. Client states breasts feel firm, heavy, and warm with moderate nipple discomfort while breastfeeding. Uterus firm at 1 cm above the umbilicus and tender to palpation. Fundus boggy but firmed with massage. Moderate amount of dark brown, foul-smelling lochia noted. Surgical incision well approximated with slight edema present; no signs of infection noted. No bowel movement since birth, hypoactive bowel sounds

Vital Signs

Postpartum Day 3, 0815:

Temperature 38.2° C (100.8° F)

Heart rate 104/min

Respiratory rate 18/min

BP 108/70 mm Hg

SaO2 97% on room air

Diagnostic Results

Postpartum Day 3, 0900:

Hemoglobin 11.1 g/dL

WBC count 33,000/mm3

A.

Uterus firm at 1 cm above the umbilicus and tender to palpation.

B.

Moderate amount of dark brown, foul-smelling lochia noted

C.

Surgical incision well approximated with slight edema present

D.

Temperature 38.2° C (100.8° F)

E.

Respiratory rate 18/min

F.

SaO2 97% on room air

G.

WBC count 33,000/mm3

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","G"]

Rationale for Correct Answers:

  • Uterus firm at 1 cm above the umbilicus and tender to palpation: Normally, by postpartum day 3, the uterus should be well below the umbilicus. A uterus that is still above and tender suggests endometritis or subinvolution, especially when combined with foul-smelling lochia.
  • Moderate amount of dark brown, foul-smelling lochia noted: Lochia should progress from rubra (day 1–3, red) → serosa (day 4–10, pink/brown) → alba (day 10 onward, white/yellow). Foul-smelling lochia is a hallmark of uterine infection (endometritis).
  • Temperature 38.2° C (100.8° F): A postpartum fever ≥38°C on two occasions, or even once when associated with uterine tenderness and foul lochia, is significant and indicates infection.
  • WBC count 33,000/mm³: Although WBCs can be physiologically elevated postpartum (up to 20,000–25,000), a count this high is abnormal and strongly suggests severe infection.

Rationale for Incorrect Answers:

  • Surgical incision well approximated with slight edema present: Mild edema is expected in the early healing process; no erythema, drainage, or dehiscence is noted, so no immediate concern.
  • Respiratory rate 18/min: This is within normal range (12–20/min), no evidence of respiratory compromise.

SaO₂ 97% on room air: This is normal oxygen saturation, not concerning


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Rationale:

A. Place the head of the client's bed flat with the client's legs extended: Positioning flat may increase tension on the abdominal incision, potentially worsening the dehiscence. A low Fowler’s position with knees slightly bent is preferred to reduce strain on the wound.

B. Apply butterfly strips to approximate the wound edges: Forcing the wound edges together could trap bacteria inside and increase the risk of infection. Dehiscence requires moist protection, not forced closure at the bedside.

C. Apply pressure directly to the wound for 15 min: Direct pressure is appropriate for active bleeding, not for dehiscence. Applying pressure could damage tissues further and does not address the need to protect exposed structures.

D. Place a sterile, saline-soaked dressing on the wound: A moist sterile dressing protects the wound from contamination, prevents the tissues from drying, and reduces the risk of infection while awaiting further surgical evaluation.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Rationale:

A. Set the suction source at 220 mm Hg: This pressure is excessively high and can damage tracheal mucosa. Recommended suction pressure for an adult tracheostomy is typically 80–120 mm Hg to minimize tissue trauma while effectively clearing secretions.

B. Repeat suctioning as needed up to five times: Frequent suction passes increase the risk of hypoxia and mucosal injury. Generally, suctioning should be limited to a maximum of three passes per session, allowing adequate recovery and reoxygenation between attempts.

C. Hyperventilate the client with 100% oxygen before suctioning: Preoxygenating helps prevent hypoxemia during suctioning by increasing oxygen reserves. This is a standard safety measure, especially in clients with artificial airways, to maintain oxygenation during the procedure.

D. Suction for 20 seconds with each pass: Prolonged suctioning increases the risk of hypoxia, arrhythmias, and airway trauma. Each suction pass should be limited to 10–15 seconds for adults to reduce complications and promote safety.

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