A nurse is collecting data from a client who gave birth 12 hours ago. The nurse notes the fundus is deviated to the right, boggy, and 2 cm above the umbilicus. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Administer methylergometrine to the client.
Assist the client to void.
Insert an indwelling urinary catheter.
Obtain a stat hemoglobin level.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason:
Administering methylergometrine to the client is not the first action the nurse should take. Methylergometrine is a medication that stimulates uterine contractions and can help reduce postpartum bleeding. However, it can also cause hypertension and should be used with caution in clients with high blood pressure. Furthermore, the nurse should first identify and address the cause of the boggy and deviated fundus before giving any medication.
Choice B reason:
Assisting the client to void is the first action the nurse should take. A full bladder can displace the uterus and prevent it from contracting properly, leading to uterine atony and bleeding.
The nurse should help the client empty her bladder by encouraging her to use the bathroom, providing privacy, running water, or using a bedpan. This can help the uterus return to its normal position and tone.
Choice C reason:
Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter is not the first action the nurse should take. A urinary catheter can be used to drain the bladder if the client is unable to void or has a large amount of residual urine. However, it can also increase the risk of infection and trauma to the urethra
and bladder. The nurse should first try noninvasive methods to help the client void, such as those mentioned in choice B.
Choice D reason:
Obtaining a stat hemoglobin level is not the first action the nurse should take. A hemoglobin level can indicate the extent of blood loss and the need for transfusion or other interventions. However, it is not a priority over restoring uterine tone and preventing further bleeding. The nurse should first assist the client to void and then massage the fundus if it remains boggy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","F","G"]
Explanation
Choice A:
Temperature. The newborn's temperature is within the normal range of 36.5°C to 37.5°C (97.7°F to 99.5°F) for axillary measurement. Therefore, this finding does not need to be reported to the provider.
Choice B:
Respiratory findings. The newborn's respiratory rate is above the normal range of 30 to 60 breaths per minute. The newborn also has a low oxygen saturation of 96%, which indicates possible respiratory distress. Therefore, this finding should be reported to the provider.
Choice C:
Serum glucose. The question does not provide any information about the newborn's serum glucose level, so this choice is irrelevant and does not need to be reported to the provider.
Choice D:
Hematocrit. The question does not provide any information about the newborn's hematocrit level, so this choice is irrelevant and does not need to be reported to the provider.
Choice E:
White blood cell count. The question does not provide any information about the newborn's white blood cell count, so this choice is irrelevant and does not need to be reported to the provider.
Choice F:
Hemoglobin. The question does not provide any information about the newborn's hemoglobin level, but it is known that newborns have higher hemoglobin levels than adults due to fetal hemoglobin. A high hemoglobin level can increase the risk of polycythemia, which can cause hyperviscosity, hypoxia, and hyperbilirubinemia. Therefore, this finding should be reported to the provider.
Choice G:
Heart rate. The newborn's heart rate is above the normal range of 110 to 160 beats per minute. A high heart rate can indicate tachycardia, which can be caused by various factors such as fever, dehydration, anemia, infection, or congenital heart defects. Therefore, this finding should be reported to the provider.
Correct Answer is ["A","E","H"]
Explanation
Choice A:
Blood pressure. The normal blood pressure range for a newborn is 60 to 80 mm Hg systolic and 40 to 50 mm Hg diastolic. The baby's blood pressure is low, which could indicate shock, dehydration, infection, or heart failure. This requires immediate follow-up to identify and treat the cause.
Choice B:
Gastrointestinal disturbances. Gastrointestinal disturbances such as vomiting and diarrhea are common symptoms of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), which is a withdrawal syndrome of infants after birth caused by in-utero exposure to drugs of dependence, most commonly opioids. These symptoms are not life-threatening and can be managed with supportive care such as hydration, nutrition, and comfort measures.
Choice C:
Skin color. Skin color is not a reliable indicator of NAS, as it can vary depending on the baby's ethnicity, temperature, oxygenation, and circulation. Skin color alone does not require immediate follow-up unless it is accompanied by other signs of distress such as cyanosis, pallor, or jaundice.
Choice D:
NAS score. NAS score is a tool used to assess the severity of withdrawal symptoms in infants with NAS. It includes items such as tremors, irritability, sleep problems, muscle tone, reflexes, seizures, yawning, sneezing, feeding, vomiting, stooling and temperature. A high NAS score indicates that the baby needs more intensive treatment such as medication to ease the withdrawal process. A low NAS score indicates that the baby is coping well and may not need medication. The NAS score should be monitored frequently and adjusted according to the baby's response.
Choice E:
Temperature. The normal temperature range for a newborn is 36.5 to 37.5°C (97.7 to 99.5°F). The baby's temperature is high, which could indicate infection, dehydration or hyperthermia. This requires immediate follow-up to identify and treat the cause.
Choice F:
Oxygen saturation. The normal oxygen saturation range for a newborn is 95 to 100%. The baby's oxygen saturation is within the normal range and does not require immediate follow- up unless it drops below 90% or rises above 100%, which could indicate hypoxia or hyperoxia respectively.
Choice G:
Central nervous system disturbances. Central nervous system disturbances such as seizures, tremors, irritability, and overactive reflexes are common symptoms of NAS. These symptoms are not life-threatening and can be managed with supportive care such as swaddling, rocking, dimming lights, and reducing noise.
Choice H:
Respiratory rate. The normal respiratory rate range for a newborn is 40 to 60 breaths per minute. The baby's respiratory rate is high, which could indicate respiratory distress, infection, pain, or anxiety. This requires immediate follow-up to identify and treat the cause.
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