A woman who delivered a normal newborn 24 hours ago reports, "I seem to be urinating every hour or so. Is that OK?”. Which action should the practical nurse (PN) implement?
Catheterize the client for residual urine volume.
Evaluate for normal involution, then massage the fundus.
Measure the next voiding, then palpate the client's bladder.
Obtain a specimen for urine culture and sensitivity.
The Correct Answer is C
Correct Answer: C. Measure the next voiding, then palpate the client's bladder.
Choice A rationale:
Catheterizing the client for residual urine volume is not necessary at this point because the woman has recently given birth, and frequent urination is common during the postpartum period. Additionally, catheterization poses risks of infection, so it should be reserved for situations where it is clinically indicated.
Choice B rationale:
Evaluating for normal involution and massaging the fundus is not relevant in this context. Fundal massage is performed after childbirth to ensure the uterus contracts and prevents excessive bleeding. The woman's concern is about frequent urination, which does not require fundal massage.
Choice C rationale:
Measuring the next voiding and palpating the client's bladder is the most appropriate action. The woman's increased frequency of urination could be due to postpartum diuresis, a normal physiological process where the body eliminates excess fluid accumulated during pregnancy. By measuring the next voiding and palpating the bladder, the nurse can assess for bladder distension or retention, which could be signs of a problem.
Choice D rationale:
Obtaining a specimen for urine culture and sensitivity is not indicated in this situation. There is no evidence to suggest that the woman has a urinary tract infection or other urinary issues that would warrant a urine culture at this time.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Obtaining a post-voided residual (PVR) volume is a non-invasive procedure that can be safely delegated to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to measure the amount of urine left in the bladder after urination.
Choice B rationale:
Teaching the client with fluid restrictions how to measure urine output requires specialized knowledge and is best performed by the practical nurse (PN).
Choice C rationale:
Emptying the bedside drainage unit for a client with an indwelling urinary catheter is a task that can be delegated to the UAP as it involves routine drainage and does not require advanced nursing skills.
Choice D rationale:
Irrigating an indwelling urinary catheter for a client with bladder suspension is a sterile procedure that requires nursing expertise, so it should not be assigned to the unlicensed assistive personnel.
Choice E rationale:
Transporting a urine culture sample to the laboratory is a non-complex task that can be safely delegated to the UAP to ensure timely and efficient delivery.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This is the best intervention for the PN to implement because it monitors the client's fluid status and helps detect fluid overload, which can cause hypertension and neurological changes. The PN should weigh the client at the same time, on the same scale, and with the same clothing every day.
A. Using a cushion when sitting is not a priority intervention for this client and may not address the BP or mental status issues.
B. Performing range of motion exercises is not a priority intervention for this client and may not address the BP or mental status issues.
C. Documenting abdominal girth is not a priority intervention for this client and may not be an accurate indicator of fluid status.
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