A nurse is collecting data from a client who is 14 hr postpartum. The nurse notes breasts soft, fundus firm, slightly deviated to the right; moderate lochia rubra; temperature 37.7° C (100° F), pulse rate 88/min, respiratory rate 18/min. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform?
Encourage the client to nurse more frequently so her milk will come in.
Increase IV fluids.
Ask the client to empty her bladder.
Report the client's temperature elevation.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Encourage the client to nurse more frequently so her milk will come in is incorrect, as this action is not related to the data collected by the nurse. The nurse notes that the client's breasts are soft, which indicates that the milk has not come in yet. This is normal and expected for a client who is 14 hr postpartum, as milk production usually begins around 72 to 96 hr after birth. The nurse should encourage the client to nurse frequently and effectively to stimulate milk production and prevent engorgement.
Choice B reason: Increase IV fluids is incorrect, as this action is not indicated by the data collected by the nurse. The nurse notes that the client's vital signs are within normal limits, except for a slight temperature elevation. Increasing IV fluids can cause fluid overload and electrolyte imbalance in the client. The nurse should maintain the IV fluids at the prescribed rate and monitor the client's intake and output.
Choice C reason: Ask the client to empty her bladder is correct, as this action is indicated by the data collected by the nurse. The nurse notes that the client's fundus is firm but slightly deviated to the right, which suggests bladder distension. A full bladder can interfere with uterine contraction and involution and increase the risk of hemorrhage and infection. The nurse should assist the client to empty their bladder and reassess the fundal position.
Choice D reason: Report the client's temperature elevation is incorrect, as this action is not necessary for a slight temperature elevation in a postpartum client. The nurse notes that the client's temperature is 37.7° C (100° F), which is slightly above normal but within the range of expected findings for a postpartum client. A mild temperature elevation in the first 24 hr after birth can be due to dehydration, exertion, or hormonal changes and does not indicate infection. The nurse should encourage oral fluid intake and monitor the temperature every 4 hr.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice B reason:
Auscultating the client's abdomen is the first action the nurse should take, as it can assess the return of bowel function after surgery. The nurse should listen for bowel sounds in all four quadrants, and note their frequency and quality.
Offering clear liquids is an important action, as it can provide hydration and nutrition for the client. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take, as it may cause nausea and vomiting if the client's bowel function has not returned.
Choice C reason:
Checking the client's chart for a diet prescription is an important action, as it can ensure that the client follows the provider's orders and does not consume anything contraindicated. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take, as it does not address the client's hunger or bowel function.
Choice D reason:
Giving the client soda crackers is an important action, as it can provide a bland and easily digestible food for the client. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take, as it may be too solid for the client's stomach if her bowel function has not returned.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Fundal consistency is correct, as this finding can indicate the effectiveness of oxytocin in stimulating uterine contraction and preventing postpartum hemorrhage. Oxytocin is a uterotonic agent that can enhance or augment uterine contractility and involution. The nurse should monitor the fundal height, consistency, and position and report any signs of uterine atony or excessive bleeding.
Choice B reason: Fetal heart rate is incorrect, as this finding is not relevant for a client who has already delivered the baby. Fetal heart rate can indicate the fetal well-being and response to labor, but it is not affected by oxytocin administration after birth. The nurse should monitor the newborn's vital signs and appearance and report any signs of distress or infection.
Choice C reason: Pulse rate is incorrect, as this finding is not specific for evaluating the effectiveness of oxytocin. Pulse rate can indicate the client's hemodynamic status and response to blood loss, but it can be influenced by many other factors, such as pain, anxiety, fever, or dehydration. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs and fluid balance and report any signs of shock or infection.
Choice D reason: Urinary output is incorrect, as this finding is not specific for evaluating the effectiveness of oxytocin. Urinary output can indicate the client's renal function and fluid balance, but it can be influenced by many other factors, such as fluid intake, bladder distension, or epidural anesthesia. The nurse should monitor the client's intake and output and report any signs of oliguria or retention.
Choice E reason: Blood pressure is incorrect, as this finding is not specific for evaluating the effectiveness of oxytocin. Blood pressure can indicate the client's hemodynamic status and response to blood loss, but it can be influenced by many other factors, such as pain, anxiety, preeclampsia, or medication. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs and fluid balance and report any signs of hypotension or hypertension.
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