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 B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Feeling for a full bladder is not the first action the nurse should take, although it is important to assess for bladder distension and urinary retention in postpartum clients. A full bladder can displace the uterus and increase the risk of uterine atony and hemorrhage.
Choice B reason:
Checking the client's fundus is the first action the nurse should take, as it can indicate the tone and position of the uterus. A firm and midline fundus indicates adequate uterine contraction and prevents excessive bleeding. A boggy or deviated fundus indicates uterine atony or retained placental fragments, which can cause hemorrhage.
Choice C reason:
Measuring the client's vital signs is not the first action the nurse should take, although it is important to monitor for signs of shock and infection in postpartum clients. Vital signs can be affected by various factors and do not provide a direct assessment of uterine status.
Choice D reason:
Requesting the provider perform a vaginal examination is not the first action the nurse should take, as it can introduce infection and trauma to the perineum. A vaginal examination is only indicated if there is suspicion of cervical or vaginal lacerations or retained placenta.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Hematuria is blood in the urine. It is not a symptom of endometritis, which is an inflammation or infection of the uterine lining. Hematuria can have many other causes, such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones, bladder cancer, or trauma.
Choice B reason: Pelvic pain is one of the most common symptoms of endometritis. It can be caused by the inflammation or infection of the uterine lining, which can also spread to other pelvic organs. Pelvic pain can be dull, sharp, cramping, or constant, and it may worsen with movement or intercourse¹³.
Choice C reason: Pink lochia is normal vaginal discharge after childbirth. It consists of blood, mucus, and tissue from the uterus. It usually lasts for a few weeks and gradually changes color from red to pink to brown to white. Pink lochia is not a sign of endometritis, unless it is foul-smelling, heavy, or persists beyond six weeks.
Choice D reason: Bradycardia is a slow heart rate, usually below 60 beats per minute. It is not a symptom of endometritis, which can cause fever and tachycardia (fast heart rate). Bradycardia can have many other causes, such as heart disease, medication side effects, hypothyroidism, or electrolyte imbalance.
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