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
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Encourage the newborn to breastfeed every 2 hr. This is because breastfeeding helps the newborn to excrete bilirubin through stool and urine. Breastfeeding also prevents dehydration, which can worsen jaundice. The nurse should also monitor the newborn’s weight, hydration status, and bilirubin levels during phototherapy.
Choice A is wrong because monitoring the newborn’s blood glucose level hourly is not necessary for phototherapy.
Choice B is wrong because applying lotion to the newborn’s skin twice per day can interfere with the effectiveness of phototherapy and increase the risk of skin irritation.
Choice D is wrong because maintaining the newborn in a prone position can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and limit the exposure of skin to light.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Wash hands before touching each baby. This is because hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent infection transmission in the nursery. Hand hygiene should be performed before and after every patient contact, as well as before and after wearing gloves or handling equipment. Hand hygiene can be done by washing hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rubs.
Choice A is not correct because adjusting room temperature between 75°F and 80°F is not a measure to protect newborns from infection. The room temperature should be maintained within a comfortable range for newborns, but it does not affect infection risk.
Choice B is not correct because wearing a disposable gown when giving infant care is not a measure to protect newborns from infection. Disposable gowns are part of contact precautions, which are used for patients with known or suspected infections that can be transmitted by direct or indirect contact. They are not necessary for routine infant care.
Choice C is not correct because keeping the newborn dressed warmly is not a measure to protect newborns from infection. Keeping the newborn dressed warmly can help prevent heat loss and hypothermia, but it does not affect infection risk.
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