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A nurse on a postpartum unit is caring for a client.

Exhibits

Complete the following sentence by using the lists of options.

The client is most likely experiencing

as evidenced by the client's .
Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"B","dropdown-group-2":"A"}

Rationale for Correct Choices

  • Endometritis: This uterine infection is common after cesarean delivery, especially with prolonged rupture of membranes. The client’s uterine tenderness, elevated fundus, boggy consistency, and foul-smelling lochia are hallmark signs of endometritis, making it the most likely diagnosis.
  • Uterus and lochia: The presence of a tender uterus that is elevated above the umbilicus and only firms with massage, combined with dark, malodorous lochia, strongly suggests infection of the uterine lining. These findings point specifically to endometritis rather than general postpartum changes.

Rationale for Incorrect Choices

  • Mastitis: Although the client reports heavy, warm breasts with nipple discomfort, there is no breast erythema, localized swelling, or high-grade fever typical of mastitis. These symptoms are likely due to engorgement related to lactation rather than infection.
  • Pneumonia: The client’s respiratory assessment shows clear lungs with only slight basal changes common postoperatively. There are no signs of cough, sputum production, hypoxia, or respiratory distress, which makes pneumonia an unlikely cause of her symptoms.
  • Fever: A temperature of 38.2°C is above normal, but mild postpartum fever can have various causes, including engorgement, dehydration, or early infection. Fever alone is not specific enough to confirm a diagnosis without targeted findings.
  • WBC count: Although an elevated WBC of 33,000/mm³ raises concern, postpartum leukocytosis can be physiologic or related to many infections. It is not diagnostic of endometritis without more specific correlating signs like uterine tenderness and abnormal lochia.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Rationale:

A. Administer a dose of atomoxetine to decrease anxiety: Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant medication used primarily for ADHD, not for acute anxiety or panic attacks. It is not effective for treating panic symptoms and is not appropriate in this situation.

B. Sit with the client to provide a sense of security: Remaining with the client during a panic attack helps reduce fear, provides emotional support, and ensures safety. Calm presence and reassurance are essential to help the client regain a sense of control.

C. Encourage the client to watch television: Watching television requires attention and focus, which may be impaired during a panic attack. This suggestion does not address the immediate need for safety, calm, and emotional support.

D. Teach the client how to meditate: Teaching new coping techniques during a panic attack may be ineffective, as the client is overwhelmed and unable to concentrate. Such strategies are better introduced when the client is calm and receptive.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Rationale:

A. Hematuria: Blood in the urine can occur with sickle cell disease due to renal papillary necrosis, but it is not specific to acute chest syndrome and does not require immediate emergency action in this context.

B. Sneezing: Sneezing is typically associated with upper respiratory infections or allergies and is not indicative of acute chest syndrome. It is not a critical symptom in this scenario.

C. Substernal retractions: Substernal retractions are a sign of respiratory distress and can indicate acute chest syndrome a life-threatening complication of sickle cell anemia. It involves pulmonary infiltration and can rapidly progress to hypoxia and respiratory failure, requiring urgent intervention.

D. Temperature 37.9° C (100.2° F): While fever in a sickle cell client should be closely monitored and reported, this temperature is low-grade. Alone, it does not immediately signal acute chest syndrome without accompanying respiratory symptoms.

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