A nurse receives report about assigned clients at the start of the shift. Which of the following clients should the nurse plan to see first?
A client who experienced a cesarean birth 4 hr ago and reports severe pain.
A client who has preeclampsia with a BP of 128/80 mm Hg
A client who is scheduled for discharge following a vaginal delivery without complications.
A client who experienced a vaginal birth 24 hr ago and reports a scant amount of lochia.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: This client should be seen first, as she has the most urgent and acute problem that requires immediate assessment and intervention. Severe pain after a cesarean birth can indicate infection, hemorrhage, or wound dehiscence, which are serious complications that can affect the client's recovery and well-being. The nurse should evaluate the client's pain level, location, and characteristics, and administer analgesics as prescribed. The nurse should also inspect the incision site, monitor the vital signs and lochia, and provide comfort measures.
Choice B reason: This client should be seen second, as she has a chronic and stable problem that requires ongoing monitoring and management. Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy that can cause complications, such as eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, or placental abruption. However, this client has a mild elevation of blood pressure that does not indicate severe preeclampsia or imminent eclampsia. The nurse should check the client's urine protein, reflexes, and edema, and report any signs of worsening condition to the provider.
Choice C reason: This client should be seen third, as she has a normal and expected outcome that requires routine education and discharge planning. A vaginal delivery without complications does not pose any significant risk or concern for the client or the newborn. The nurse should review the discharge instructions, such as follow-up appointments, self-care, breastfeeding, and warning signs, and answer any questions that the client may have.
Choice D reason: This client should be seen last, as she has a common and benign finding that requires reassurance and documentation. A scant amount of lochia after a vaginal birth is normal and expected, as it reflects the healing and involution of the uterus. The nurse should assess the color, odor, and consistency of the lochia, and provide perineal care and hygiene education to the client.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Uterine enlargement greater than expected for gestational age is not a typical manifestation of ectopic pregnancy, because the embryo is implanted outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. The uterus may be slightly enlarged due to hormonal changes, but not more than expected for the gestational age.
Choice B reason: Unilateral, cramp-like abdominal pain is a common manifestation of ectopic pregnancy, because the embryo grows and stretches the fallopian tube, causing inflammation and irritation. The pain may be mild or severe, depending on the size and location of the ectopic pregnancy, and may radiate to the shoulder or back.
Choice C reason: Severe nausea and vomiting is not a specific manifestation of ectopic pregnancy, because it can be caused by other conditions, such as hyperemesis gravidarum, gastroenteritis, or appendicitis. The client may have mild nausea and vomiting due to hormonal changes, but not more than usual for the gestational age.
Choice D reason: Large amount of vaginal bleeding is not a usual manifestation of ectopic pregnancy, because the bleeding is usually internal, into the abdominal cavity. The client may have spotting or light bleeding due to the detachment of the endometrium, but not heavy or profuse bleeding.
Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Providing a dark, quiet environment is an appropriate action for the nurse to implement, because it can help reduce the client's blood pressure and prevent seizures.
Choice B reason: Evaluating neurologic status every 12 hr is not an appropriate action for the nurse to implement, because it is not frequent enough. The nurse should assess the client's neurologic status every 2 to 4 hr, or more often if indicated, to detect signs of cerebral edema or eclampsia.
Choice C reason: Assessing respiratory status every 8 hr is not an appropriate action for the nurse to implement, because it is not frequent enough. The nurse should monitor the client's respiratory status every 1 to 2 hr, or more often if indicated, to detect signs of pulmonary edema or respiratory depression.
Choice D reason: Ensuring that calcium gluconate is readily available is an appropriate action for the nurse to implement, because it is the antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity. The nurse should have calcium gluconate on hand and know how to administer it in case of an emergency.
Choice E reason: Administering magnesium sulfate IV is an appropriate action for the nurse to implement, because it is the drug of choice for preventing and treating seizures in clients with severe gestational hypertension. The nurse should follow the protocol for magnesium sulfate administration and monitor the client's vital signs, urine output, reflexes, and serum magnesium levels.
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