When assessing a multigravida on the first postpartum day, the nurse finds a moderate amount of lochia rubra, with the uterus firm and three fingerbreadths above the umbilicus. What action should the nurse implement first?
Check for a distended bladder.
Review the hemoglobin to determine hemorrhage.
Massage the uterus to decrease atony.
Increase intravenous infusion.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: This is the correct answer because a distended bladder can cause uterine displacement and interfere with uterine contraction, leading to increased bleeding and risk of infection. The nurse should check for bladder fullness and encourage the client to void or catheterize if necessary.
Choice B reason: Reviewing the hemoglobin to determine hemorrhage is an important action, but not the first one. The nurse should first identify and correct the cause of bleeding, such as bladder distension or uterine atony, before checking for blood loss and anemia.
Choice C reason: Massaging the uterus to decrease atony is not indicated in this case, because the uterus is already firm. Massaging a firm uterus can cause overstimulation and pain.
Choice D reason: Increasing intravenous infusion is not the first action, because it may worsen bleeding by increasing blood pressure and diluting clotting factors. The nurse should first assess and manage bleeding before administering fluids or blood products as prescribed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Measuring abdominal girth is not a specific assessment for a client with a suprapubic catheter, which is a tube inserted through the lower abdomen into the bladder to drain urine. However, it may be useful for monitoring fluid status and abdominal distension.
Choice B reason: Assessing perineal area is not a specific assessment for a client with a suprapubic catheter, which is a tube inserted through the lower abdomen into the bladder to drain urine. However, it may be important for maintaining hygiene and preventing infection.
Choice C reason: This is the correct answer because observing insertionsite is a specific assessment for a client with a suprapubic catheter, which is a tube inserted through the lower abdomen into the bladder to drain urine. The nurse should inspect the incision site for signs of healing, infection, or leakage.
Choice D reason: Palpating flank area is not a specific assessment for a client with a suprapubic catheter, which is a tube inserted through the lower abdomen into the bladder to drain urine. However, it may be helpful for detecting kidney tenderness or enlargement.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Assessing pupillary response to light hourly is not an intervention that the nurse should implement while administering dopamine, as this is not related to the effects or side effects of dopamine. This is a distractor choice.
Choice B reason: Initiating seizure precautions is not an intervention that the nurse should implement while administering dopamine, as this is not a common or expected complication of dopamine. This is another distractor choice.
Choice C reason: Monitoring serum potassium frequently is not an intervention that the nurse should implement while administering dopamine, as this is not affected by dopamine or hypotension. This is another distractor choice.
Choice D reason: Measuring urinary output every hour is an intervention that the nurse should implement while administering dopamine, as this can indicate the effectiveness of dopamine in improving renal perfusion and blood pressure. Therefore, this is the correct choice.
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