A nurse is reinforcing teaching about signs preceding the onset of labor with a client who is at 39 weeks of gestation. Which of the following statements should the nurse include?
"You will experience urinary retention."
"You will have a decrease in vaginal discharge."
"You will experience a surge of energy."
"You will have a weight gain of 0.5 to 1.5 kilograms."
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: "You will experience urinary retention." is incorrect, as this statement does not describe a sign preceding the onset of labor. Urinary retention can occur during labor due to pressure from the fetal head or epidural anesthesia, but it is not a sign that labor is imminent. The nurse should encourage the client to void frequently and monitor their bladder status.
Choice B reason: "You will have a decrease in vaginal discharge." is incorrect, as this statement does not describe a sign preceding the onset of labor. Vaginal discharge can increase before labor due to cervical ripening and dilation, which can cause bloody show or mucus plug loss. The nurse should educate the client about normal and abnormal vaginal discharge and when to report it.
Choice C reason: "You will experience a surge of energy." is correct, as this statement describes a sign preceding the onset of labor. A surge of energy, also known as nesting instinct, can occur before labor due to hormonal changes or psychological factors. The nurse should advise the client to conserve their energy and rest as much as possible before labor.
Choice D reason: "You will have a weight gain of 0.5 to 1.5 kilograms." is incorrect, as this statement does not describe a sign preceding the onset of labor. Weight gain can occur during pregnancy due to fetal growth, fluid retention, or increased caloric intake, but it is not a sign that labor is imminent. The nurse should monitor the client's weight and fluid balance and report any sudden or excessive weight gain that may indicate preeclampsia or other complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: A precipitous birth is a delivery that occurs in less than 3 hours from the onset of labor. This can cause uterine atony, which is the failure of the uterus to contract and compress the blood vessels after the placenta is delivered. Uterine atony is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage²³.
Choice B reason: A small for gestational age newborn is not a risk factor for postpartum hemorrhage. It may be associated with other conditions, such as placental insufficiency or intrauterine growth restriction, but these do not directly increase the risk of bleeding after delivery.
Choice C reason: A two-vessel umbilical cord is a cord that has one artery and one vein instead of the normal two arteries and one vein. This can be a marker for congenital anomalies or placental abnormalities, but it does not increase the risk of postpartum hemorrhage by itself.
Choice D reason: Gestational hypertension is a condition where the blood pressure rises above 140/90 mm Hg after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It can lead to complications such as preeclampsia, eclampsia, or HELLP syndrome, which can affect the clotting system and cause bleeding disorders. However, gestational hypertension alone does not increase the risk of postpartum hemorrhage unless it is associated with these severe conditions¹⁴.
Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: While ice packs can help reduce swelling and discomfort, they are not essential for preventing infection.
Choice B reason: Sit on an inflatable donut to protect the perineum is incorrect, as this can increase pressure and blood flow to the perineum and delay healing. The nurse should advise the client to avoid sitting on hard or uneven surfaces and to use a pillow or a cushion for comfort.
Choice C reason: Perform hand hygiene before and after voiding is correct, as this can prevent contamination and infection of the perineal area. The nurse should instruct the client to wash their hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after using the toilet.
Choice D reason: Blot the perineal area dry after voiding is correct, as this can keep the perineal area clean and dry and prevent irritation and infection. The nurse should instruct the client to use a clean, soft cloth or tissue and gently pat or blot the perineal area from front to back after voiding.
Choice E reason: Clean the perineal area from front to back is correct, as this can prevent bacteria from entering the vagina or urethra and causing infection. The nurse should instruct the client to use a peri-botle filled with warm water and squirt it over the perineal area from front to back after each voiding or bowel movement. The client should also change their perineal pad frequently and dispose of it properly.
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