The current vital signs for a primipara who delivered vaginally during the previous shift are: temperature 100.4° F (38° C), heart rate 58 beats/minute, respiratory rate 16 breaths/minute, and blood pressure 130/74 mm Hg. Which action should the nurse implement?
Report heart rate to healthcare provider.
Assess perineum for excessive lochia.
Document the vital signs in the record.
Administer a PRN dose of acetaminophen.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
A heart rate of 58 beats/minute is within the normal range for adults, including those who have recently given birth. Therefore, there is no need to report this to the healthcare provider.
Choice B rationale
While assessing for excessive lochia is important in postpartum care, there is no indication from the given vital signs that this is necessary.
Choice C rationale
The vital signs provided are all within normal ranges for a postpartum patient. Therefore, the appropriate action would be to document these findings in the patient’s record.
Choice D rationale
There is no indication from the given vital signs that the patient has a fever or pain, so administering a PRN dose of acetaminophen is not necessary.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Blood pressure variance across extremities is not typically associated with unrepaired ventricular septal defect and heart failure in a toddler.
Choice B rationale
Hypotension is not a typical finding in toddlers with unrepaired ventricular septal defect and heart failure.
Choice C rationale
Tachycardia, or a fast heart rate, is a common symptom in toddlers with unrepaired ventricular septal defect and heart failure. This is because the heart has to work harder to pump blood through the body.
Choice D rationale
While a pulse oximetry reading within defined limits is ideal, it is not a typical finding in toddlers with unrepaired ventricular septal defect and heart failure.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is A. Praise the client for her actions and offer to discuss ways to decrease consumption even more.
Why? During pregnancy, any amount of alcohol poses a risk to the developing fetus, but abruptly shaming or forcing action may not be effective. The best approach is motivational interviewing, which involves acknowledging the client's reduction while encouraging further progress. A supportive conversation can help guide the client toward complete cessation of alcohol use.
Here’s why the other options are incorrect:
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B. Insist that the client stop all alcohol use and draw a blood alcohol level at each prenatal visit – While alcohol cessation is the goal, forcing the client without a supportive approach can lead to resistance. Routine blood alcohol testing is not standard unless substance dependence is suspected.
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C. Notify child protective services of the client’s illicit drug use and probable child endangerment – Alcohol is not classified as an illicit drug, and reporting at this stage would be premature unless clear evidence of abuse or harm to the fetus exists.
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D. Refer the client to an outpatient alcohol abuse program for disulfiram therapy – Disulfiram (Antabuse) is not recommended in pregnancy, as it may cause adverse effects. Instead, behavioral counseling and support groups are preferred interventions.
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