A nurse is collecting data from a postpartum client and finds a large amount of lochia rubra with several clots on the client's perineal pad. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Request the provider perform a vaginal examination.
Check the client's fundus.
Measure the client's vital signs.
Feel for a full bladder.
The Correct Answer is B
Check the client's fundus. Lochia rubra is the normal vaginal bleeding and discharge that occurs after childbirth. It consists of blood, mucus, and tissue from the placenta and the uterus lining. It is usually bright red and may have some clots, but these clots should not be big or difficult to pass. If the client has a large amount of lochia rubra with several clots, it may indicate that the uterus is not contracting well and needs to be massaged to expel any retained tissue or blood. Checking the client's fundus is the first action the nurse should take to assess the uterine tone and location.
Choice A is incorrect because requesting the provider perform a vaginal examination is not the first action the nurse should take. A vaginal examination may be necessary if the fundal massage does not reduce the bleeding or if there is a suspicion of lacerations or hematoma, but it is not a priority intervention.
Choice C is incorrect because measuring the client's vital signs is not the first action the nurse should take. Vital signs can help monitor the client's hemodynamic status and identify signs of shock, such as tachycardia, hypotension, and pallor, but they are not as important as checking the fundus in this situation.
Choice D is incorrect because feeling for a full bladder is not the first action the nurse should take. A full bladder can displace the uterus and interfere with its contraction, leading to increased bleeding. However, it is not as likely as uterine atony to cause a large amount of lochia rubra with several clots.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Encourage the newborn to breastfeed every 2 hr. This is because breastfeeding helps the newborn to excrete bilirubin through stool and urine. Breastfeeding also prevents dehydration, which can worsen jaundice. The nurse should also monitor the newborn’s weight, hydration status, and bilirubin levels during phototherapy.
Choice A is wrong because monitoring the newborn’s blood glucose level hourly is not necessary for phototherapy.
Choice B is wrong because applying lotion to the newborn’s skin twice per day can interfere with the effectiveness of phototherapy and increase the risk of skin irritation.
Choice D is wrong because maintaining the newborn in a prone position can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and limit the exposure of skin to light.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Massage the client’s fundus. This is because the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage is uterine atony, which is the failure of the uterus to contract after delivery. Massaging the fundus can stimulate uterine contractions and reduce bleeding by compressing the blood vessels at the placental site.
Choice A is not correct because administering oxytocin is not the first action to take. Oxytocin is a medication that can also help the uterus contract, but it should be given after assessing the uterine tone and bleeding.
Choice B is not correct because observing for pooling of blood under the buttocks is not a priority action. It can help estimate the amount of blood loss, but it does not address the cause of bleeding or stop it.
Choice C is not correct because checking the client’s blood pressure is not the first action to take. Blood pressure can indicate hypovolemia due to blood loss, but it is not a sensitive indicator and may remain normal until a significant amount of blood is lost.
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