A woman had a vaginal delivery two days ago and is preparing for discharge. To help prevent postpartum complications, the nurse plans to teach the woman to report any:

Change in lochia from red to white

Fatigue and irritability

Fever

Contractions

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Fever. This is because fever is a sign of infection, which is a common and potentially serious postpartum complication. Infection can affect various parts of the body, such as the uterus (endometritis), the bladder (cystitis), the breast (mastitis), the wound (wound infection), or the blood (sepsis). Infection can cause symptoms such as fever, chills, pain, foul-smelling discharge, redness, swelling, or warmth at the site of infection.

Choice A is not correct because the change in lochia from red to white is not a sign of postpartum complication. Lochia is the vaginal discharge that occurs after childbirth. It changes color and amount over time, from red to pink to brown to yellow to white. This is a normal process of healing and does not indicate a problem unless the lochia is foul-smelling, heavy, or contains large clots³.

Choice B is not correct because fatigue and irritability are not signs of postpartum complications. Fatigue and irritability are common feelings after childbirth due to hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, physical recovery, and emotional adjustment. They do not necessarily indicate a problem unless they are severe or persistent and interfere with daily functioning or bonding with the baby.

Choice D is not correct because contractions are not signs of postpartum complication. Contractions are normal after childbirth and help the uterus shrink back to its pre-pregnancy size. They are usually mild and subside within a few days. They may be more intense during breastfeeding due to the release of oxytocin, which stimulates uterine contractions.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

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

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Tachycardia. Tachycardia is a sign of hypovolemic shock from postpartum hemorrhage, which occurs when the blood volume is reduced and the heart rate increases to compensate for the low cardiac output and tissue perfusion. Tachycardia is usually the first sign of hypovolemic shock, as it can occur even before a significant drop in blood pressure or other symptoms.

Choice A. Hypotension is incorrect because it is a late sign of hypovolemic shock, which occurs when the compensatory mechanisms fail to maintain adequate blood pressure and organ perfusion.

Choice B. Cold, clammy skin is incorrect because it is a sign of peripheral vasoconstriction, which occurs as a compensatory mechanism to divert blood flow to the vital organs. However, it is not specific to hypovolemic shock and can occur in other types of shock as well.

Choice D. Decreased urinary output is incorrect because it is a sign of renal impairment, which occurs as a result of reduced blood flow to the kidneys. However, it is not specific to hypovolemic shock and can occur in other types of shock or renal disorders as well.

A. asymmetrical chest movement B. respiratory rate of 50 breaths/minute C. acrocyanosis D. short periods of apnea (less than 15 seconds)

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Asymmetrical chest movement is a sign of respiratory distress in the newborn, as it indicates unequal lung expansion or airway obstruction. A respiratory rate of 50 breaths/minute (choice B) is normal for a newborn, as is acrocyanosis (choice C), which is a bluish discoloration of the hands and feet due to immature peripheral circulation. Short periods of apnea (less than 15 seconds) (choice D) are also common and benign in newborns unless they are associated with bradycardia or cyanosis.

Choice B is not correct because a respiratory rate of 50 breaths/minute is within the normal range for a newborn.

Choice C is not correct because acrocyanosis is a normal finding in newborns and does not indicate respiratory distress.

Choice D is not correct because short periods of apnea (less than 15 seconds) are normal in newborns and do not indicate respiratory distress.

View Question and Answer

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

A woman had a vaginal delivery two days ago and is preparing for discharge. To help prevent postpartum complications, the nurse plans to teach the woman to report any:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The first sign of hypovolemic shock from postpartum hemorrhage is likely to be:

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Which finding would alert the nurse to suspect that a newborn is experiencing respiratory distress?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a newborn shortly after birth and places the newborn under a radiant warmer. Which of the following potential complications does this action help to prevent?

The nurse assesses a postpartum woman's perineum and notices that her lochial discharge is moderate in amount and red. The nurse would record this as what type of lochia?

The nurse is preparing the nursing care plan for a newborn who was born via cesarean delivery. Which diagnosis should the nurse prioritize?

When a newborn takes its first breath, what physical changes occur in the heart to increase oxygenation of the body?

A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing shaking chills during the immediate postpartum period. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A woman had a vaginal delivery two days ago and is preparing for discharge. To help prevent postpartum complications, the nurse plans to teach the woman to report any:

The nurse is teaching a prenatal class and illustrating some of the basic events that will happen right after the birth. The nurse should point out which action will best help the infant maintain an adequate body temperature.