A nurse is collecting data from a client who is 12 hr postpartum. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Fundus soft, 2 fingerbreadths below the umbilicus.
Fundus firm, 2 fingerbreadths above the umbilicus.
Fundus soft, to the right of the umbilicus.
Fundus firm, at the level of the umbilicus.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason:
A soft fundus indicates uterine atony, which is a lack of muscle tone that can lead to postpartum hemorrhage. A soft fundus is an abnormal finding and should be reported to the provider. The fundus should be firm and contracted to prevent bleeding.
Choice B reason:
A fundus that is 2 fingerbreadths above the umbilicus is too high for a client who is 12 hours postpartum. The fundus should descend about 1 centimeter per hour after delivery and should be at the level of the umbilicus at 12 hours postpartum. A high fundus could indicate retained placental fragments or a full bladder, both of which can interfere with uterine contraction and cause bleeding.
Choice C reason:
A fundus that is deviated to the right of the umbilicus is also an abnormal finding for a client who is 12 hours postpartum. A deviated fundus could indicate a full bladder, which can displace the uterus and prevent it from contracting properly. The fundus should be at the midline of the abdomen.
Choice D reason:
A fundus that is firm and at the level of the umbilicus is a normal finding for a client who is 12 hours postpartum. This indicates that the uterus is involuting (returning to its pre-pregnancy size and shape) and that there is no excessive bleeding. The nurse should expect this finding and document it accordingly.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","F"]
Explanation
Choice A:
Temperature is not a priority finding to report to the provider. The newborn's temperature may vary slightly depending on the environment and the method of measurement. A normal temperature range for a newborn is 36.5°C to 37.5°C (97.7°F to 99.5°F).
Choice B:
Respiratory findings are important to report to the provider because the newborn had a low Apgar score at 1 minute and required positive pressure ventilation and oxygen. The nurse should assess the newborn's respiratory rate, effort, breath sounds, and oxygen saturation. Any signs of respiratory distress, such as tachypnea, grunting, retractions, nasal flaring, or cyanosis, should be reported immediately.
Choice C:
Serum glucose is a critical finding to report to the provider because the newborn is at risk for hypoglycemia due to the abruptio placenta and the emergency cesarean birth. Hypoglycemia can cause neurological damage and seizures in newborns. A normal serum glucose level for a newborn is 40 to 60 mg/dL.
Choice D:
Hematocrit is a significant finding to report to the provider because the newborn may have polycythemia or anemia due to the abruptio placenta and the blood loss during delivery.
Polycythemia can cause hyperviscosity and thrombosis, while anemia can cause hypoxia and shock. A normal hematocrit level for a newborn is 42% to 65%.
Choice E:
White blood cell count is not a priority finding to report to the provider. The newborn's white blood cell count may be elevated due to the stress of birth or a maternal infection. A normal white blood cell count for a newborn is 9,000 to 30,000/mm3.
Choice F:
Hemoglobin is an important finding to report to the provider because the newborn may have polycythemia or anemia due to the abruptio placenta and the blood loss during delivery.
Hemoglobin is the main component of red blood cells that carries oxygen to the tissues. A normal hemoglobin level for a newborn is 14 to 24 g/dL.
Choice G:
Heart rate is a vital finding to report to the provider because the newborn had a non- reassuring fetal heart rate during labor and delivery. The nurse should monitor the newborn's heart rate and rhythm for any signs of bradycardia, tachycardia, or arrhythmias. A normal heart rate range for a newborn is 110 to 160 beats per minute.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
This is a normal WBC for a newborn. According to MedlinePlus, the normal amount of white blood cells (WBCs) found in the bloodstream of a newborn infant is between 4,500 and 10,000 per microliter of blood. The reference ranges for WBC count established by Mayo Medical Laboratories for infants from birth to 2 years are as follows:.
• Birth: 9.0 to 30.0 x 10 9 /L.
• 1 to 7 days: 9.4 to 34.0 x 10 9 /L.
• 8 to 14 days: 5.0 to 21.0 x 10 9 /L.
• 15 days to 1 month: 5.0 to 20.0 x 10 9 /L.
• 2 to 5 months: 5.0 to 15.0 x 10 9 /L. Therefore, a newborn's WBC of 15,000 is within the normal range and does not indicate any problem.
Choice B reason:
You must call the doctor. This is not a correct answer because there is no need to call the doctor for a normal WBC in a newborn. Calling the doctor unnecessarily may cause anxiety and a waste of time and resources.
Choice C reason:
This indicates a severe infection. This is not a correct answer because a WBC of 15,000 does not necessarily indicate a severe infection in a newborn. A high WBC, also called leukocytosis, may be related to infection, but it can also be caused by other factors such as stress, inflammation, trauma, medication, or blood disorders. Moreover, the type and severity of infection can be better assessed by looking at the differential count of the different types of white blood cells (neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes) and other signs and symptoms.
Choice D reason:
This is a lab error. This is not a correct answer because a WBC of 15,000 is not likely to be a lab error in a newborn. Lab errors can occur due to improper collection, handling, or analysis of blood samples, but they are rare and usually detected by quality control measures. A WBC of 15,000 is within the normal range for a newborn and does not require repeating the test unless there is a strong suspicion of an error or an inconsistency with other results or clinical findings.
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.
