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 D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While inspecting the infant’s ears daily can help detect signs of an ear infection early, it does not prevent recurrent otitis media.
Choice B rationale
Positioning the infant prone after feeding does not prevent recurrent otitis media and can actually increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
Choice C rationale
While breastfeeding frequently can provide numerous health benefits for the infant, it does not specifically prevent recurrent otitis media.
Choice D rationale
Avoiding exposure to smoke can help prevent recurrent otitis media in infants. Smoke can irritate the Eustachian tubes, which can lead to fluid buildup and increase the risk of ear infections.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Placing a pulse oximeter on the heel of a newborn can help monitor oxygen saturation levels. However, the symptoms described, such as jitteriness, hypotonicity, and a weak cry, are more indicative of hypoglycemia, a condition that would not be detected by a pulse oximeter.
Choice B rationale
Swaddling the infant in a warm blanket can help maintain body temperature, but it does not address the underlying cause of the symptoms, which are suggestive of hypoglycemia.
Choice C rationale
Documenting the findings in the record is an important part of nursing care, but it does not provide immediate intervention for the symptoms observed.
Choice D rationale
Obtaining a heel stick blood glucose level is the appropriate action given the symptoms described. Jitteriness, hypotonicity, and a weak cry can be signs of neonatal hypoglycemia. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent potential complications.
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