A nurse is providing care to multiple clients on the postpartum unit.
Which of the following clients is at the greatest risk for developing a puerperal infection?
A client who has a cesarean incision that is well-approximated with no drainage.
A client who does not wash her hands between perineal care and breastfeeding.
A client who has an episiotomy that is erythematous and has extended into a third-degree laceration.
A client who is not breastfeeding and is using measures to suppress lactation.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
A client who has a cesarean incision that is well-approximated with no drainage is not at the greatest risk for developing a puerperal infection. While any surgical incision can potentially become infected, if the incision is healing well with no signs of infection, the risk is relatively low.
Choice B rationale
A client who does not wash her hands between perineal care and breastfeeding is increasing her risk of infection, but this is not the greatest risk factor for developing a puerperal infection. Good hand hygiene is important to prevent the spread of germs, but other factors pose a greater risk for puerperal infection.
Choice C rationale
A client who has an episiotomy that is erythematous and has extended into a third-degree laceration is at the greatest risk for developing a puerperal infection. An episiotomy is a surgical cut made at the opening of the vagina during childbirth to aid a difficult delivery and prevent rupture of tissues. If the episiotomy extends and becomes a third-degree laceration, it involves the vaginal tissue, perineal skin, and the muscle of the perineum, and can extend into the anal sphincter, the muscle that surrounds the anus. This type of wound provides a medium for bacterial growth, increasing the risk of infection.
Choice D rationale
A client who is not breastfeeding and is using measures to suppress lactation is not at the greatest risk for developing a puerperal infection. While breastfeeding can help reduce the risk of certain types of infections, not breastfeeding does not significantly increase the risk of puerperal infection.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Cervical dilation is a key sign that labor has begun. During labor, the cervix dilates to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal. This is a physical change that can be measured during a pelvic exam.
Choice B rationale
Pain above the umbilicus is not typically a sign of labor. During labor, contractions are usually felt as a tightening or cramping in the lower abdomen or back.
Choice C rationale
Brownish vaginal discharge can occur during pregnancy and is not necessarily a sign of labor. If the discharge is heavy, or accompanied by other symptoms such as pain or cramping, it should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Choice D rationale
The presence of amniotic fluid in the vaginal vault, also known as “water breaking,” can be a sign that labor is imminent. However, it does not confirm that labor has begun, as it can occur before the onset of contractions and cervical dilation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Low birth weight is defined as a birth weight of less than 2500 grams. This newborn weighs 3200 grams, so it does not fall into this category.
Choice B rationale
A newborn is considered appropriate for gestational age if its weight falls between the 10th and 90th percentile for its gestational age. This newborn’s weight is in the 60th percentile for its gestational age of 38 weeks, so it is appropriate for gestational age.
Choice C rationale
Large for gestational age refers to a newborn whose weight is above the 90th percentile for its gestational age. This newborn’s weight is in the 60th percentile, so it does not fall into this category.
Choice D rationale
Small for gestational age refers to a newborn whose weight is below the 10th percentile for its gestational age. This newborn’s weight is in the 60th percentile, so it does not fall into this category.
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