During the postpartal admission assessment, the nurse notes that a patient’s perineum appears edematous and ecchymotic.
Based on this finding, which action should the nurse take?

Observe the patient for vaginal discharge of bright red blood.

Assess the patient’s vaginal tone.

Massage the patient’s perineum.

Apply petrolatum to the patient’s perineum.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

The correct answer is choice D. Apply petrolatum to the patient’s perineum. This is because petrolatum can help soothe and protect the perineal area, which may be swollen, bruised, or have stitches after a vaginal delivery. Applying petrolatum can also prevent the pad from sticking to the wound and causing more pain.

Choice A is wrong because observing the patient for vaginal discharge of bright red blood is not a specific action for perineal care. Bright red blood may indicate postpartum hemorrhage, which requires immediate medical attention.

Choice B is wrong because assessing the patient’s vaginal tone is not a priority action for perineal care. Vaginal tone may be reduced after childbirth due to stretching of the pelvic floor muscles, but this can improve with time and exercises.

Choice C is wrong because massaging the patient’s perineum is not recommended for perineal care. Massaging the perineum may cause more trauma and discomfort to the area, especially if there are stitches or hemorrhoids. Massaging the fundus (the top of the uterus) may be done to help it contract and prevent bleeding, but this is different from massaging the perineum.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The correct answer is choice A. A patient who weighed less than 5 lb (2,268 gm) at birth is at risk for having an infant with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR).This is because low birth weight is a possible indicator of genetic factors or placental insufficiency that can affect fetal growth.

Choice B is wrong because an ectopic pregnancy one year ago does not increase the risk of IUGR.An ectopic pregnancy is when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube.It does not affect the placental function or fetal development in a subsequent pregnancy.

Choice C is wrong because a mitral valve prolapse does not increase the risk of IUGR.

A mitral valve prolapse is when the valve between the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart does not close properly.It usually does not cause any symptoms or complications during pregnancy, unless it is associated with severe regurgitation or arrhythmias.

Choice D is wrong because the father’s age of 42 years old does not increase the risk of IUGR.The father’s age may affect the risk of chromosomal abnormalities or congenital anomalies in the fetus, but not the fetal growth.

Some of the other risk factors for IUGR include maternal smoking, alcohol, or drug use, medical conditions like anemia or lupus, infections such as rubella or syphilis, carrying twins or multiples, high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, and placenta problems.

A. Document the findings. B. Pause the oxytocin infusion. C. Raise the head of the patient’s bed 30 degrees. D. Notify the health care provider. E. Notify the health care provider.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

This is because late fetal heart rate decelerations are a sign of uteroplacental insufficiency, which means that the placenta is not delivering enough oxygen and nutrients to the fetus.Oxytocin can cause uterine tachysystole, which is excessive and frequent contractions that reduce blood flow to the placenta.Therefore, stopping the oxytocin infusion can help improve placental perfusion and fetal oxygenation.

Choice A is wrong because documenting the findings is not a priority action in this situation.

The nurse should first intervene to address the cause of late decelerations and then document the actions and outcomes.

Choice C is wrong because raising the head of the patient’s bed 30 degrees does not directly affect the placental blood flow or fetal oxygenation.

It may help with maternal comfort and breathing, but it is not an essential action for late decelerations.

Choice D is wrong because notifying the health care provider is not the first action to take.The nurse should first attempt to correct the cause of late decelerations by pausing the oxytocin infusion and then notify the health care provider if there is no improvement or if there are other signs of fetal distress.

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During the postpartal admission assessment, the nurse notes that a patient’s perineum appears edematous and ecchymotic. Based on this finding, which action should the nurse take?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient who is 17 weeks pregnant shares several pieces of information with the nurse. Which statement made by the patient would indicate the patient is at risk for having an infant with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR)?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A patient’s labor is induced using an intravenous infusion of 1,000 mL Ringer’s lactate with 10 units of oxytocin. Two hours later, the nurse notes a pattern of late fetal heart rate decelerations detected on the fetal monitor.Which action is essential for the nurse to take first?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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During the postpartal admission assessment, the nurse notes that a patient’s perineum appears edematous and ecchymotic.
Based on this finding, which action should the nurse take?