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 B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Fundus soft, 2 fingerbreadths below the umbilicus is incorrect, as this finding indicates uterine atony and subinvolution. The fundus is the upper part of the uterus that can be palpated through the abdomen after birth. The fundus should be firm and midline to indicate adequate uterine contraction and involution. A soft or boggy fundus can increase the risk of hemorrhage and infection.
Choice B reason: Fundus firm, 1 fingerbreadth below the umbilicus is correct, as this finding indicates normal uterine contraction and involution. The fundus is normally at the level of the umbilicus immediately after birth and then descends about one fingerbreadth per day. A firm and midline fundus can prevent excessive bleeding and promote healing.
Choice C reason: Fundus firm, 4 fingerbreadths above the umbilicus is incorrect, as this finding indicates a higher than expected fundal height for a client who is 24 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 D reason: Fundus soft, to the right of the umbilicus is incorrect, as this finding indicates uterine atony and bladder distension. The fundus should be firm and midline to indicate adequate uterine contraction and involution. A deviated fundus can indicate bladder distension, which can interfere with uterine contraction and involution and increase the risk of hemorrhage and infection.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Perform fundal massage is incorrect, as this action is not indicated for a client who has a firm and midline fundus. Fundal massage is used to stimulate uterine contraction and prevent hemorrhage in clients who have a boggy or deviated fundus.
Choice B reason: Assist the client to ambulate is correct, as this action can promote lochia drainage and prevent pooling of blood in the vagina. The nurse should encourage the client to ambulate early and frequently after birth, as long as there are no contraindications. The nurse should also monitor the client for signs of orthostatic hypotension and provide assistance as needed.
Choice C reason: Check for blood under the client's butock is incorrect, as this action is not necessary for a client who has a small amount of lochia rubra on the perineal pad. Lochia rubra is normal and expected in the first few days after birth, and it indicates that the placental site is healing. The nurse should check for blood under the butock only if there is suspicion of excessive bleeding or concealed hemorrhage.
Choice D reason: Increase the rate of the IV fluids is incorrect, as this action is not indicated for a client who has a small amount of lochia rubra on the perineal pad. Increasing the rate of 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.
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