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 D

Explanation

Hemorrhage. This is because postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is severe bleeding and loss of blood after childbirth that can lead to death. The most common cause of PPH is the uterus not contracting properly after delivery. The nurse needs to monitor the client’s pulse and blood pressure frequently to detect signs of shock and blood loss.

Choice A is wrong because thromboembolism is a blood clot that blocks a blood vessel, not a complication of bleeding.

Choice B is wrong because cervical laceration is a tear in the cervix that can cause bleeding, but it is not a common cause of PPH.

Choice C is wrong because hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus or rectum that can cause bleeding, but they are not a common cause of PPH.

A. Hematocrit of 60% in an infant who is 8-hr old. B. Jaundice in an infant who is 4-hr old. C. Blood glucose fingerstick of 40 mg/dL for an infant who is 1-hr old. D. Acrocyanosis in an infant who is 2-hr old.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Jaundice in an infant who is 4-hr old. This is because jaundice is a yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes caused by high levels of bilirubin in the blood. Jaundice usually appears between the second and fourth day after birth and lasts for one to two weeks. Jaundice that appears within the first 24 hours of life is considered early-onset jaundice and may indicate a serious problem, such as an infection, a blood type mismatch, or a liver disorder. The nurse should notify the charge nurse of this finding and request a blood test to check the bilirubin level.

Choice A is wrong because a hematocrit of 60% in an infant who is 8-hr old is not abnormal. Hematocrit is the percentage of red blood cells in the blood. Newborns normally have higher hematocrit levels than older children and adults because they have more red blood cells at birth.

Choice C is wrong because a blood glucose fingerstick of 40 mg/dL for an infant who is 1-hr old is not abnormal.

Blood glucose is the amount of sugar in the blood. Newborns normally have lower blood glucose levels than older children and adults because they have less glycogen (stored sugar) at birth.

Choice D is wrong because acrocyanosis in an infant who is 2-hr old is not abnormal. Acrocyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the hands and feet caused by poor circulation. Newborns normally have acrocyanosis for the first few days of life because they are adjusting to the temperature outside the womb.

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

When planning the care for a client during the first 24 hours postpartum, the nurse expects to monitor the client's pulse and blood pressure frequently based on the understanding that the client is at risk for which condition?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for several newborn clients. For which of the following findings should the nurse notify the charge nurse?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

To prevent possible retinopathy in a preterm infant requiring oxygen therapy, the nurse will:

Five days after a spontaneous vaginal delivery, a woman comes to the emergency room because she has a fever and persistent cramping. The nurse recognizes that the cause of these signs and symptoms may be:

What is the primary rationale for monitoring a new mother every 15 minutes for the first hour after delivery?

The nurse is conducting a prenatal class explaining the various activities that will occur within the first few hours after birth. The nurse determines the session is successful when the couples correctly choose which reason for the use of an antibiotic ointment.

The nurse is preparing to administer the vitamin K injection to a newborn. Which action would be correct for this client?

A nurse is updating the plan of care for a newborn who is undergoing phototherapy. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan?

A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who experienced a vaginal birth 2 hr ago. The nurse should identify which of the following findings places the client at risk for a postpartum hemorrhage.

A nurse is assisting with the care of a newborn following a vaginal delivery. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform first?