The first sign of hypovolemic shock from postpartum hemorrhage is likely to be:
Hypotension
Cold, clammy skin
Tachycardia
Decreased urinary output
The Correct Answer is C
Tachycardia. Tachycardia is a sign of hypovolemic shock from postpartum hemorrhage, which occurs when the blood volume is reduced and the heart rate increases to compensate for the low cardiac output and tissue perfusion. Tachycardia is usually the first sign of hypovolemic shock, as it can occur even before a significant drop in blood pressure or other symptoms.
Choice A. Hypotension is incorrect because it is a late sign of hypovolemic shock, which occurs when the compensatory mechanisms fail to maintain adequate blood pressure and organ perfusion.
Choice B. Cold, clammy skin is incorrect because it is a sign of peripheral vasoconstriction, which occurs as a compensatory mechanism to divert blood flow to the vital organs. However, it is not specific to hypovolemic shock and can occur in other types of shock as well.
Choice D. Decreased urinary output is incorrect because it is a sign of renal impairment, which occurs as a result of reduced blood flow to the kidneys. However, it is not specific to hypovolemic shock and can occur in other types of shock or renal disorders as well.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Determine the client’s temperature. This is because shaking chills during the immediate postpartum period can be a sign of infection, such as endometritis or mastitis. Infection is a serious complication that can lead to sepsis and shock if not treated promptly. The nurse should measure the client’s temperature and look for other signs of infection, such as foul-smelling lochia, breast tenderness, or tachycardia.
Choice A is wrong because placing the client on seizure precautions is not indicated for shaking chills. Seizure precautions are used for clients who have eclampsia or other conditions that increase the risk of seizures.
Choice B is wrong because covering the client with warm blankets may not be helpful for shaking chills. Warm blankets may increase the body temperature and worsen the infection.
Choice C is wrong because notifying the charge nurse is not the first action the nurse should take. The nurse should assess the client’s condition before reporting to the charge nurse or the provider.
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.
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