A nurse is collecting data from a client who is 3 days postpartum and is breastfeeding. Her fundus is three fingerbreadths below the umbilicus, and her lochia rubra is moderate. Her breasts feel hard and warm. Which of the following recommendations should the nurse give the client?
Wear a nipple shield.
Express milk from both breasts.
Obtain a prescription for an antibiotic.
Apply a heating pad to her breasts.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Wear a nipple shield is incorrect, as this recommendation is not indicated for a client who has engorged breasts. A nipple shield is a thin, flexible device that covers the nipple and areola and can help with latch problems, flat or inverted nipples, or sore nipples. However, a nipple shield can also reduce milk transfer, stimulate less milk production, and cause nipple confusion or preference.
Choice B reason: Express milk from both breasts is correct, as this recommendation can help relieve engorgement and maintain milk production. Engorgement is a normal and expected phenomenon that occurs when the milk comes in, usually around 72 to 96 hr after birth. Engorgement can cause breast fullness, tenderness, warmth, and hardness. The nurse should advise the client to express milk from both breasts by breastfeeding frequently and effectively or by using a breast pump or hand expression.
Choice C reason: Obtain a prescription for an antibiotic is incorrect, as this recommendation is not indicated for a client who has engorged breasts. An antibiotic is used to treat mastitis, which is an infection and inflammation of the breast tissue that can cause redness, pain, swelling, warmth, and fever in the affected breast. The nurse should assess the client for signs of mastitis and report any abnormal findings to the provider.
Choice D reason: Apply a heating pad to her breasts is incorrect, as this recommendation can worsen engorgement and cause discomfort. A heating pad can increase blood flow and swelling in the breasts, which can impair milk flow and increase pain. The nurse should advise the client to apply cold compresses or cabbage leaves to her breasts to reduce inflammation and discomfort.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the most appropriate response because it reassures the client that the amount of lochia she passed is normal and expected after lying down for a long time. Lochia is the vaginal discharge that occurs after childbirth, consisting of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue. It usually decreases in amount and changes in color over time, from red to pink to brown to yellow.
Choice B reason: This is an incorrect response because it implies that the client has a complication that requires further evaluation. Retained placental fragments can cause excessive bleeding, infection, and uterine atony. The nurse should not alarm the client with this possibility without evidence.
Choice C reason: This is an incorrect response because it contradicts the normal patern of lochia. The amount of lochia usually decreases during the postpartum period, not increases. If the client has an increase in lochia, it could indicate a problem such as infection, subinvolution, or hemorrhage.
Choice D reason: This is an incorrect response because it confuses the client with unrelated information. Urinary tract infections are not associated with increased lochia. They are caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract and can cause symptoms such as dysuria, frequency, urgency, and hematuria. The nurse should not suggest that the client has a urinary tract infection without evidence.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Three fingerbreadths above the umbilicus is incorrect, as this position indicates a higher than expected fundal height for a client who is 12 hr postpartum. The fundus is normally at the level of the umbilicus immediately after birth and then descends about one fingerbreadth per day. A high fundal height can indicate uterine atony, retained placental fragments, or bladder distension.
Choice B reason: One fingerbreadth above the symphysis pubis is incorrect, as this position indicates a lower than expected fundal height for a client who is 12 hr postpartum. The fundus is normally at the level of the umbilicus immediately after birth and then descends about one finger-breadth per day. A low fundal height can indicate uterine inversion, which is a rare but life-threatening complication.
Choice C reason: At the level of the umbilicus is correct, as this position indicates a normal and expected fundal height for a client who is 12 hr postpartum. The fundus is normally at the level of the umbilicus immediately after birth and then descends about one finger-breadth per day. A midline and firm fundus indicates adequate uterine contraction and involution.
Choice D reason: To the right of the umbilicus is incorrect, as this position indicates a deviated fundus for a client who is 12 hr postpartum. The fundus should be midline and not displaced to either side. A deviated fundus can indicate bladder distension, which can interfere with uterine contraction and involution. The nurse should assist the client to empty their bladder and reassess the fundal position.
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