A nurse is conducting an assessment on a client who is 4 hours postpartum following a vaginal delivery. Which of the following findings should the nurse prioritize?
Fundus at the level of the umbilicus
Saturated perineal pad in 30 minutes
Approximated edges of episiotomy
Deep tendon reflexes 4+
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
While the fundus at the level of the umbilicus is a normal finding for a woman who is 4 hours postpartum, it is not the priority in this case. The fundus, which is the top part of the uterus, typically descends at a rate of approximately one fingerbreadth (or one cm) per day, and by the 12th postpartum day, it should no longer be palpable.
Choice B rationale
A saturated perineal pad in 30 minutes is a sign of excessive bleeding, also known as postpartum hemorrhage. This is a serious condition that can lead to shock and other complications if not treated promptly. Therefore, this finding should be prioritized by the nurse.
Choice C rationale
Approximated edges of an episiotomy are a normal finding in the postpartum period. An episiotomy is a surgical incision made in the perineum to enlarge the vaginal opening for delivery. After delivery, the episiotomy is sutured and should heal without complications with proper care. However, this is not the priority finding in this scenario.
Choice D rationale
Deep tendon reflexes 4+ could be a sign of preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, often the liver and kidneys. However, since the client is already 4 hours postpartum, this is less likely to be the priority.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While seeing a counselor could be beneficial for some women experiencing doubts and second thoughts about their pregnancy, suggesting this as an initial response may make the client feel that her feelings are abnormal or require professional help.
Choice B rationale
Asking if the client has spoken to her mother about these feelings assumes that the client has a good relationship with her mother or that her mother is available for support, which may not be the case.
Choice C rationale
Telling the client not to worry and that she will be fine once the baby is born may minimize her feelings and does not acknowledge her current emotional state.
Choice D rationale
Ambivalent feelings are quite common for women early in pregnancy. This response validates the client’s feelings and reassures her that what she is experiencing is normal.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) is a group of problems that occur in a newborn who was exposed to addictive opiate drugs while in the mother’s womb. While NAS can pose risks to a newborn, it is not considered the greatest risk.
Choice B rationale
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) is a condition where the “ball and socket” joint of the hip does not properly form in babies and young children. While DDH can pose risks to a newborn, it is not considered the greatest risk.
Choice C rationale
Subgaleal hemorrhage is a rare but potentially lethal condition in newborns, usually resulting from vacuum-assisted delivery. While it can pose risks to a newborn, it is not considered the greatest risk.
Choice D rationale
Congenital cardiac defects are the most common type of birth defect. They can alter the way blood flows through the heart and pose a significant risk to a newborn.
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