How it Works
Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (Free-Trial)

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.


Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Free Nursing Study Resources

Related Questions

Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A,B"},"B":{"answers":"B"},"C":{"answers":"A,B"},"D":{"answers":"B"}}

Explanation

Rationale:

  • Platelet count: A low platelet count (<100,000/mm³) is a hallmark of HELLP syndrome but can also appear in severe preeclampsia. Therefore, thrombocytopenia supports both diagnoses.
  • Alanine aminotransferase (ALT): Elevated ALT indicates hepatic involvement due to hepatocellular injury, which is a defining feature of HELLP syndrome but not required for preeclampsia diagnosis.
  • Blood pressure: Severe hypertension (≥160/110 mm Hg), as seen in this client, is diagnostic of severe preeclampsia. It may also be present in HELLP syndrome due to overlapping pathophysiology.
  • Hemoglobin: Low hemoglobin can reflect hemolysis, which is part of the HELLP acronym (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, Low Platelets). Preeclampsia does not typically present with anemia unless HELLP develops.

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

Explanation

Rationale for Correct Choices:

  • Seizures: The client presents with severe preeclampsia, indicated by BP >160/110 mm Hg, 3+ proteinuria, hyperreflexia (patellar reflex 4+), and persistent headache. These are strong predictors of progression to eclampsia, which is marked by seizures.
  • Placental Abruption: Severe hypertension increases the risk of placental abruption due to vascular compromise in the uteroplacental circulation. Decreased fetal movement may be an early warning sign of impaired placental perfusion or separation.

Rationale for Incorrect Choices:

  • Cervical Insufficiency: This is a painless cervical dilation often leading to second-trimester loss, unrelated to hypertension or proteinuria. The client is in the third trimester with no signs of cervical changes.
  • Hypoglycemia: The client has no history of diabetes, glucose intolerance, or related symptoms. Her urine glucose was only trace, and no medications suggest insulin use.
  • Heart Failure: No signs of pulmonary congestion, dyspnea, or elevated heart rate are present. Oxygen saturation is normal, and breath sounds are not mentioned as abnormal, making CHF unlikely at this stage.

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Register