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 C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This statement is incorrect, as it is not the definition of polyhydramnios, but rather a possible cause of it. Polyhydramnios is a condition where the amniotic fluid volume exceeds 2,000 mL at term, or the amniotic fluid index (AFI) is greater than 25 cm. Polyhydramnios can occur in multiple pregnancies, as the fetuses produce more urine and fluid than a single fetus.
Choice B reason: This statement is incorrect, as it is not the definition of polyhydramnios, but rather a possible complication of it. Polyhydramnios can cause fetal anomalies, such as esophageal atresia, anencephaly, or neural tube defects, which impair the swallowing or absorption of the amniotic fluid. Polyhydramnios can also cause fetal growth restriction or distress, as the excess fluid can compress the umbilical cord or the placenta, and reduce the blood flow and oxygen delivery to the fetus.
Choice C reason: This statement is correct, as it is the definition of polyhydramnios, which is a condition where the amniotic fluid volume exceeds 2,000 mL at term, or the amniotic fluid index (AFI) is greater than 25 cm. Polyhydramnios can be diagnosed by ultrasound, and it can cause maternal and fetal complications, such as preterm labor, premature rupture of membranes, placental abruption, or cord prolapse.
Choice D reason: This statement is incorrect, as it is not the definition of polyhydramnios, but rather a marker of fetal anomalies. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein that is produced by the fetus, and it can be measured in the maternal serum or the amniotic fluid. An elevated level of AFP in the amniotic fluid can indicate fetal anomalies, such as neural tube defects, abdominal wall defects, or renal anomalies, which can cause polyhydramnios.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Polyuria is not an expected finding in a client with severe preeclampsia, as it can indicate dehydration, diabetes, or renal impairment. A client with severe preeclampsia may have oliguria, which is a urine output of less than 500 mL in 24 hours, due to the decreased renal perfusion and function.
Choice B reason: Report of headache is an expected finding in a client with severe preeclampsia, as it can indicate increased intracranial pressure, cerebral edema, or vasospasm. A client with severe preeclampsia may also have other neurological symptoms, such as blurred vision, scotoma, photophobia, or hyperreflexia.
Choice C reason: Tachycardia is not an expected finding in a client with severe preeclampsia, as it can indicate dehydration, infection, anxiety, or fetal distress. A client with severe preeclampsia may have bradycardia, which is a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute, due to the increased vagal tone and blood pressure.
Choice D reason: Absence of clonus is not an expected finding in a client with severe preeclampsia, as it can indicate normal or decreased neuromuscular irritability. A client with severe preeclampsia may have positive clonus, which is a rhythmic jerking of the foot when the ankle is dorsiflexed, due to the increased reflex excitability and hyperactivity.
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