Patient Data

Exhibits

Click to highlight the assessment findings that require immediate follow up by the nurse.

Client is admitted to the medical floor. She has mild subcostal retractions and is sitting in an upright position. Wheezes are noted throughout the lung fields. The client is pale. She has strong peripheral pulses that are equal bilaterally. Her heart rate is 122 beats/minute, blood pressure 134/85 mm Hg, oxygen saturation 91% on room air.

Rationale

A. Repositioning the stethoscope or reinflating the cuff may be necessary if the sounds are unclear or if there is difficulty in hearing the Korotkoff sounds, but these actions come after noting any auscultatory gap.

B. It's characterized by a period of silence between the appearance and disappearance of sounds. Noting its presence is important for accurately recording the blood pressure readings, as failure to recognize an auscultatory gap could lead to underestimating the systolic pressure.

C. After repositioning the stethoscope or noting the presence of an auscultatory gap, the nurse should proceed with the blood pressure assessment.

D. If the cuff was not inflated adequately during the initial inflation, the nurse may not have occluded the artery completely, leading to inaccurate readings. However, in this scenario where Korotkoff sounds

are heard, it indicates that the cuff pressure was sufficient to occlude and then release the artery's blood flow.

At risk of hypovolemia

D. Total blood loss of 800 mL

A total blood loss of 800 mL indicates significant hemorrhage, which puts the client at risk for hypovolemia (low blood volume). While exact definitions may vary, typically, blood loss exceeding 500 mL postpartum is considered significant and increases the risk of hypovolemia if not managed appropriately.

F. 200 mL blood loss

While 200 mL of blood loss is within the normal range for immediate postpartum period, it still represents a loss of blood that, if ongoing, could potentially lead to hypovolemia if not monitored closely.

Condition has improved

A. Fundus massaged until firm and at umbilicus

Massaging the fundus until it is firm and at the umbilicus helps ensure uterine contraction, which reduces the risk of excessive bleeding and promotes hemostasis. This indicates that uterine tone is adequate, which is a positive sign.

C. Straight catheter produced 500 mL clear yellow urine

The passage of 500 mL of clear yellow urine indicates adequate renal perfusion and hydration status, suggesting that the client's fluid balance is being maintained or improved, which is important in preventing hypovolemia.

E. Blood pressure of 110/80 mm Hg, heart rate of 66 beats/minute, oxygen saturation at 98% on room air

Stable vital signs with normal blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation indicate adequate perfusion and oxygenation. This suggests that the client's condition is stable and not immediately at risk for hypovolemia.

G. Fundus remains firm with slight lochia noted on pad

A firm fundus with slight lochia (postpartum vaginal discharge) indicates ongoing normal involution (shrinking) of the uterus with minimal bleeding. This suggests that the client's uterus is contracting well, which is favorable for preventing hypovolemia.