Shortly after delivery, a symptom of respiratory distress in the newborn that should be reported is:

Mucus draining from the nose

Cyanosis of the hands and feet

Irregular heart rate

Sternal or chest retractions

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Sternal or chest retractions. This is because sternal or chest retractions are a sign of respiratory distress in newborns, which means they are having difficulty breathing. Chest retractions occur when the baby's chest pulls in with each breath, indicating that they are using extra muscles to breathe. This can be caused by various conditions that affect the lungs, such as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN), meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), pneumonia, or congenital heart defects.

Choice A is not correct because mucus draining from the nose is not a symptom of respiratory distress in newborns. It is normal for newborns to have some mucus in their nose and mouth after birth, which can be cleared by suctioning or wiping.

Mucus drainage does not interfere with breathing unless it is excessive or thick.

Choice B is not correct because cyanosis of the hands and feet is not a symptom of respiratory distress in newborns. It is normal for newborns to have bluish discoloration of their hands and feet, called acrocyanosis, for the first few days after birth. This is due to immature circulation and does not indicate a lack of oxygen. Cyanosis of the central parts of the body, such as the face, lips, and tongue, is more concerning and should be reported.

Choice C is not correct because irregular heart rate is not a symptom of respiratory distress in newborns. It is normal for newborns to have some variations in their heart rate, especially during sleep cycles. The normal heart rate range for newborns is 100 to 160 beats per minute. A heart rate that is too fast (tachycardia) or too slow (bradycardia) may indicate a problem with the heart or other organs³.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Check the client's fundus. Lochia rubra is the normal vaginal bleeding and discharge that occurs after childbirth. It consists of blood, mucus, and tissue from the placenta and the uterus lining. It is usually bright red and may have some clots, but these clots should not be big or difficult to pass. If the client has a large amount of lochia rubra with several clots, it may indicate that the uterus is not contracting well and needs to be massaged to expel any retained tissue or blood. Checking the client's fundus is the first action the nurse should take to assess the uterine tone and location.

Choice A is incorrect because requesting the provider perform a vaginal examination is not the first action the nurse should take. A vaginal examination may be necessary if the fundal massage does not reduce the bleeding or if there is a suspicion of lacerations or hematoma, but it is not a priority intervention.

Choice C is incorrect because measuring the client's vital signs is not the first action the nurse should take. Vital signs can help monitor the client's hemodynamic status and identify signs of shock, such as tachycardia, hypotension, and pallor, but they are not as important as checking the fundus in this situation.

Choice D is incorrect because feeling for a full bladder is not the first action the nurse should take. A full bladder can displace the uterus and interfere with its contraction, leading to increased bleeding. However, it is not as likely as uterine atony to cause a large amount of lochia rubra with several clots.

A. Document expected postpartum mucous membrane congestion B. Notify the charge nurse of a possible upper respiratory infection C. Notify the physician of a possible pulmonary embolism D. Medicate with antipyretic remedy for elevated temperature

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Notify the physician of a possible pulmonary embolism. This is because the client's symptoms suggest that she has a pulmonary embolism, which is a blockage of a blood vessel in the lungs often caused by blood clots that travel from the legs. Pulmonary embolism is a life-threateningcondition that requires immediate medical attention. The client may also have chest pain, coughing up blood, dizziness, or fainting.

Choice A is wrong because postpartum mucous membrane congestion does not cause fever, cough, or shortness of breath.

Choice B is wrong because an upper respiratory infection does not cause edema and redness along the saphenous vein.

Choice D is wrong because an antipyretic remedy does not treat the underlying cause of the fever and may mask the severity of the condition.

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Shortly after delivery, a symptom of respiratory distress in the newborn that should be reported is:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is collecting data from a postpartum client and finds a large amount of lochia rubra with several clots on the client's perineal pad. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The 1-day postpartum patient shows a temperature elevation, cough, and slight shortness of breath on exertion. Based on these symptoms, the nurse should:

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is assisting with the care of a newborn following a vaginal delivery. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform first?

When the newborn's crib was moved suddenly, the nurse noticed that his legs flexed and the arms fanned out, and then both came back toward the midline. The nurse would interpret this behavior as:

Five days after a spontaneous vaginal delivery, a woman comes to the emergency room because she has a fever and persistent cramping. The nurse recognizes that the cause of these signs and symptoms may be:

A first-time mother reports that she is experiencing difficulty breastfeeding her newborn. The neonatal reflex that the nurse would teach the mother to elicit, in order to facilitate breastfeeding is:

When planning the care for a client during the first 24 hours postpartum, the nurse expects to monitor the client's pulse and blood pressure frequently based on the understanding that the client is at risk for which condition?

The nurse assesses a boggy uterus with the fundus above the umbilicus and deviated to the side. The nurse should next assess:

The nurse assesses a postpartum woman's perineum and notices that her lochial discharge is moderate in amount and red. The nurse would record this as what type of lochia?

Following delivery, the nurse's assessment reveals a soft, boggy uterus located above the level of the umbilicus. The appropriate intervention is: