Because a full bladder prevents the uterus from contracting normally, nurses intervene to help the woman empty her bladder spontaneously as soon as possible.
If all else fails, the last thing the nurse could try is:
Pouring water from a squeeze bottle over the woman’s perineum.
Placing oil of peppermint in a bedpan under the woman.
Asking the physician to prescribe analgesics.
Inserting a sterile catheter.
The Correct Answer is B
This is because oil peppermint can stimulate the micturition reflex and help the woman to void.
Some possible explanations for the other choices are:
Choice A is wrong because pouring water over the perineum may not be enough to trigger the micturition reflex and may cause discomfort or infection.
Choice C is wrong because analgesics may not address the underlying cause of urinary retention and may have side effects such as drowsiness or nausea.
Choice D is wrong because inserting a sterile catheter is an invasive procedure that carries risks such as trauma, infection, or bladder spasms. It should be used only as a last resort after other methods have failed.
Normal ranges for postpartum bladder function are:
- Urine output: 3000 to 5000 mL/day for the first 2 to 3 days after delivery.
- Urine specific gravity: 1.005 to 1.030.
- Urine pH: 4.6 to 8.0.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Magnesium sulfate is given to women with preeclampsia and eclampsia to prevent and treat convulsions.
Magnesium sulfate is a mineral that reduces seizure risks in women with preeclampsia. A healthcare provider will give the medication intravenously. Sometimes, it’s also used to prolong pregnancy for up to two days. This allows drugs that speed up your baby’s lung development to be administered.
Choice A is wrong because magnesium sulfate does not improve patellar reflexes or increase respiratory efficiency. In fact, it may cause decreased or absent deep tendon reflexes and respiratory depression as side effects.
Choice B is wrong because magnesium sulfate does not shorten the duration of labor. It may actually prolong labor by inhibiting uterine contractions.
Choice D is wrong because magnesium sulfate does not prevent a boggy uterus or lessen the lochial flow. It has no effect on uterine tone or bleeding after delivery.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The patient is showing signs of magnesium toxicity, such as respiratory depression, hyporeflexia, and flushing.
Magnesium sulfate is a high-alert medication that can cause serious adverse effects if not monitored closely.
The nurse should stop the infusion immediately and notify the provider.
Choice A is wrong because calling for a stat magnesium sulfate level will not address the immediate problem of toxicity.
The nurse should act quickly to prevent further complications.
Choice B is wrong because administering oxygen will not reverse the effects of magnesium toxicity.
Oxygen may be helpful for respiratory distress, but it will not correct the underlying cause.
Choice D is wrong because hydralazine is an antihypertensive medication that lowers blood pressure.
The patient’s blood pressure is already within the normal range for a pregnant woman with preeclampsia (140-160/90-110 mm Hg).
Hydralazine may cause hypotension and fetal distress.
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