On the first day after a cesarean section, a client who is a primipara is being assisted to the bathroom for the first time.
The client experiences a sudden gush of vaginal blood and notices that several blood clots are in the toilet. Which action should the practical nurse (PN) take?
Insert an indwelling catheter to empty the bladder and contract the fundus
Check fundal consistency and continue to monitor the lochial flow amount
Return the client to bed and maintain bedrest until the lochial flow slows
Massage the fundus and avoid direct pressure on the cesarean incision
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer and explanation is:
d) Massage the fundus and avoid direct pressure on the cesarean incision.
This is the best action to take for a client who experiences a sudden gush of vaginal blood and clots after a
cesarean section. Massaging the fundus helps to stimulate uterine contractions and reduce bleeding.
Avoiding direct pressure on the incision prevents pain and wound dehiscence.
a) Insert an indwelling catheter to empty the bladder and contract the fundus.
This is not the first action to take for a client who experiences a sudden gush of vaginal blood and clots after a cesarean section. Inserting an indwelling catheter requires a physician's order and may cause discomfort and infection. The client may already have a catheter in place after the surgery.
b) Check fundal consistency and continue to monitor the lochial flow amount.
This is not enough to do for a client who experiences a sudden gush of vaginal blood and clots after a cesarean section. Checking fundal consistency and monitoring lochial flow are important, but they do not address the cause of bleeding or prevent further blood loss.
c) Return the client to bed and maintain bedrest until the lochial flow slows.
This is not appropriate for a client who experiences a sudden gush of vaginal blood and clots after a cesarean section. Returning the client to bed and maintaining bedrest may delay ambulation and increase the risk of thromboembolism. It also does not stop the bleeding or treat the underlying cause.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Discuss the character of labor from endogenous vs. exogenous oxytocin. While it is important to educate the client about the difference between endogenous (naturally occurring) and exogenous (administered) oxytocin, this information may not address the client's primary concern. The client is refusing the prescribed oxytocin infusion and wants a "natural" delivery. Therefore, discussing alternative ways to support her birth plan is more pertinent.
Choice B rationale:
Ask the healthcare provider to discuss the issue with the client. Involving the healthcare provider in the discussion is a reasonable step, but it should not be the first action taken. The nurse can initiate a conversation with the client to explore her concerns and preferences before escalating the issue to the healthcare provider.
Choice C rationale:
Discuss alternative ways to support the client's birth plan. This is the correct choice because it directly addresses the client's refusal of the oxytocin infusion and desire for a "natural" delivery. Exploring alternative methods for inducing or facilitating labor in a way that aligns with the client's birth plan is essential.
Choice D rationale:
Explain the indications for induction related to post-term pregnancy. Explaining the indications for induction is important for educating the client about the medical reasons behind the prescribed treatment. However, this information may not immediately address the client's refusal of the oxytocin infusion. The nurse should first explore the client's concerns and preferences regarding her birth plan.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Use a peak flow meter to assess the respiratory status. Assessing the client's respiratory status using a peak flow meter is the most appropriate next action after administering albuterol, a bronchodilator. It helps determine the client's lung function and response to the medication. This information guides further interventions and treatment decisions.
Choice B rationale:
Administer a stat dose of corticosteroids. Administering corticosteroids may be indicated in some cases of respiratory distress or exacerbation of asthma. However, it should not be the immediate next step after albuterol administration. Assessing the client's response to albuterol through lung function testing (peak flow) is essential before deciding on additional medications.
Choice C rationale:
Document the normal finding in the client's health record. Documenting normal findings is important for maintaining accurate medical records, but in this case, it is premature. The nurse should first assess the client's response to albuterol and ensure that the respiratory status is indeed normal before documenting the findings.
Choice D rationale:
Repeat a dose of the client's rescue drug. Administering another dose of the rescue drug (albuterol) without assessing the client's response and lung function would not be the most appropriate action. It is essential to determine whether the initial dose was effective before considering additional doses or alternative treatments.
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