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

Document expected postpartum mucous membrane congestion

Notify the charge nurse of a possible upper respiratory infection

Notify the physician of a possible pulmonary embolism

Medicate with antipyretic remedy for elevated temperature

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

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-threatening condition 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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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

This is because lochia rubra is the first stage of lochia, the vaginal discharge after giving birth. It comprises blood, shreds of fetal membranes, decidua, vernix caseosa, lanugo, and membranes. It is red in color because of the large amount of blood it contains. It lasts 1 to 4 days after birth.

Choice A is not correct because lochia alba is the last stage of lochia. It is whitish or yellowish-white in color and contains fewer red blood cells and more leukocytes, epithelial cells, cholesterol, fat, mucus, and microorganisms. It lasts from the second through the third to sixth weeks after delivery.

Choice B is not correct because there is no such thing as lochia normal. Lochia has three stages: lochia rubra, lochia serosa and lochia alba.

Choice C is not correct because lochia serosa is the second stage of lochia. It is brownish or pink in color and contains serous exudate, erythrocytes, leukocytes, cervical mucus, and microorganisms. It lasts for 4 to 12 days after delivery.

A. Change in lochia from red to white B. Fatigue and irritability C. Fever D. Contractions

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Fever. This is because fever is a sign of infection, which is a common and potentially serious postpartum complication. Infection can affect various parts of the body, such as the uterus (endometritis), the bladder (cystitis), the breast (mastitis), the wound (wound infection), or the blood (sepsis). Infection can cause symptoms such as fever, chills, pain, foul-smelling discharge, redness, swelling, or warmth at the site of infection.

Choice A is not correct because the change in lochia from red to white is not a sign of postpartum complication. Lochia is the vaginal discharge that occurs after childbirth. It changes color and amount over time, from red to pink to brown to yellow to white. This is a normal process of healing and does not indicate a problem unless the lochia is foul-smelling, heavy, or contains large clots³.

Choice B is not correct because fatigue and irritability are not signs of postpartum complications. Fatigue and irritability are common feelings after childbirth due to hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, physical recovery, and emotional adjustment. They do not necessarily indicate a problem unless they are severe or persistent and interfere with daily functioning or bonding with the baby.

Choice D is not correct because contractions are not signs of postpartum complication. Contractions are normal after childbirth and help the uterus shrink back to its pre-pregnancy size. They are usually mild and subside within a few days. They may be more intense during breastfeeding due to the release of oxytocin, which stimulates uterine contractions.

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

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A woman had a vaginal delivery two days ago and is preparing for discharge. To help prevent postpartum complications, the nurse plans to teach the woman to report any:

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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The nurse is conducting a prenatal class explaining the various activities that will occur within the first few hours after birth. The nurse determines the session is successful when the couples correctly choose which reason for the use of an antibiotic ointment.

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