A nurse is planning care for a client in the postpartum unit.
What goals should the nurse identify for the client to accomplish during the taking-in phase of postpartum adjustment?

Choice A rationale
The indirect Coombs test does not determine if a baby is at risk for developing hypoglycemia after birth. It is used to screen for Rh incompatibility.
Choice B rationale
The indirect Coombs test is used to detect the presence of Rh-positive antibodies in your blood. This is particularly important in pregnancy as it can indicate a risk of Rh incompatibility.
Choice C rationale

The indirect Coombs test does not determine the amount of amniotic fluid around the fetus.
Choice D rationale
The indirect Coombs test does not assess blood flow to the fetus and placenta using ultrasound.

Choice A rationale: The client’s hematocrit level is 27%, which is below the normal range (greater than 39%). This could indicate anemia, which can be caused by blood loss. Given the client’s report of a “gush” of blood and the nurse’s observation of a moderate amount of bright red vaginal bleeding, this is a concerning finding that requires immediate follow-up. Anemia in pregnancy can lead to complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal mortality.

Choice B rationale: The client’s fundal height is 33 cm, which is appropriate for a gestational age of 33 weeks. Fundal height is measured from the top of the pubic bone to the top of the uterus, and in centimeters, it should roughly equal the number of weeks of gestation. Therefore, this finding does not require immediate follow-up.

Choice C rationale: The client reports feeling a “gush” of blood and the nurse observes a moderate amount of bright red vaginal bleeding. This is a concerning finding given the client’s diagnosis of complete placenta previa, a condition where the placenta

completely covers the cervix. Vaginal bleeding in this context can indicate placental abruption, a serious complication where the placenta detaches from the uterus before childbirth. This requires immediate follow-up.

Choice D rationale: The client’s platelet count is 160,000/mm³, which is within the normal range (150,000 to 400,000/mm³). This indicates that the client’s blood clotting function is currently adequate. While platelet count can decrease with significant blood loss, the client’s current platelet count does not indicate a potential complication of pregnancy.

Choice E rationale: The client’s fetal heart rate is 174/min, which is above the normal range (110 to 160/min). This could indicate fetal tachycardia, which can be a response to maternal blood loss, maternal fever, or fetal hypoxia. This is a concerning finding that requires immediate follow-up.