The nurse has received shift report on the postpartum unit. Which patient should the nurse see first?
First baby, day of delivery, fundus 2 cm above umbilicus deviated to left.
Second baby, first postpartum day, hypoactive bowel sounds all quadrants.
Third baby, first postpartum day, 3 cm diastasis recti abdominis
Second baby, third day post-cesarean, moderate lochia serosa.
The Correct Answer is A
A) First baby, day of delivery, fundus 2 cm above umbilicus deviated to left:
This is the most urgent situation. The fundus should typically be at the level of the umbilicus on the first postpartum day. A fundus that is 2 cm above the umbilicus and deviated to the left may indicate that the bladder is full, which can cause uterine displacement. This is a priority because if the bladder is not emptied, it could lead to uterine atony or hemorrhage. The nurse should first assess the bladder and encourage the client to void, or catheterize if needed, to correct the deviation.
B) Second baby, first postpartum day, hypoactive bowel sounds all quadrants:
Hypoactive bowel sounds on the first postpartum day can be expected, particularly after a cesarean section or due to the effects of medications such as opioids. While this finding should be monitored, it is not as urgent as a potential issue with uterine positioning that could affect bleeding or uterine tone.
C) Third baby, first postpartum day, 3 cm diastasis recti abdominis:
Diastasis recti abdominis, where the abdominal muscles separate, is a common finding postpartum, especially after multiple pregnancies. While it may cause discomfort, it is generally not an immediate concern unless there is significant pain or other complications. It can be addressed with physical therapy over time.
D) Second baby, third day post-cesarean, moderate lochia serosa:
Lochia serosa is the expected discharge 3 days postpartum after a cesarean. Moderate lochia serosa is normal at this stage and does not indicate an immediate problem. The nurse should continue to monitor the lochia, but this is not as urgent as addressing the possible uterine displacement and bladder issue in Option A.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Abdominal with synchronous chest movements:
Newborns primarily exhibit abdominal breathing, meaning that the diaphragm does most of the work while the chest movements are less pronounced. This is normal for full-term neonates, and the chest and abdomen move in a synchronous manner as the baby breathes. This pattern is indicative of an immature respiratory system that is still developing, but it is completely normal in the early stages of life.
B) Chest breathing with nasal flaring:
While some chest movement is observed in newborns, the primary pattern of breathing is abdominal. Nasal flaring is generally an abnormal sign in newborns and may indicate respiratory distress, such as when there is an obstruction in the airway or a need for increased oxygen intake. It is not considered a normal, healthy breathing pattern in newborns.
C) Diaphragmatic with chest retraction:
Diaphragmatic breathing is normal, but chest retraction is not. Retractions occur when there is increased effort to breathe, and they typically indicate respiratory distress or obstruction. In a healthy, full-term newborn, retractions should not be present. This type of breathing would require further investigation to rule out conditions like respiratory distress syndrome or infection.
D) Deep with a regular rhythm:
Newborns may have irregular breathing patterns, including periods of apnea (a few seconds without breathing) and slight irregularity in rhythm, especially during sleep. Deep, regular breathing without any irregularities is not typical in a newborn, and any consistent deep breathing would require further observation to rule out any potential underlying issues.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Caput succedaneum present:
Caput succedaneum refers to the swelling of the soft tissues on the newborn's head, typically caused by the pressure exerted during vaginal delivery. This condition is often seen after a prolonged labor or in cases of vacuum-assisted delivery. It presents as a soft, fluid-filled swelling that crosses the suture lines, which distinguishes it from a cephalhematoma (a collection of blood). This swelling is usually benign and resolves within a few days after birth without intervention.
B) Severe molding present:
Molding refers to the shaping of the newborn's skull bones as they overlap to pass through the birth canal during delivery. It typically presents as elongated or asymmetric head shapes, particularly in the vertex presentation. Severe molding would not involve swelling of the soft tissues and would not cross the suture lines. This term is typically used to describe changes in the shape of the skull bones rather than soft tissue swelling.
C) Cephalhematoma present:
A cephalhematoma is a collection of blood between the newborn's skull and the periosteum (the membrane covering the bones). Unlike caput succedaneum, a cephalhematoma does not cross the suture lines because the blood is confined to the area overlying the affected bone. Cephalhematomas are typically the result of trauma during delivery, such as forceps or vacuum extraction. The swelling in a cephalhematoma is firmer and does not appear as soft or fluid-filled as caput succedaneum.
D) Fontanels soft and flat:
The fontanels are the soft spots on the baby’s head where the skull bones have not yet fused. The anterior fontanel is usually the most prominent, and the posterior fontanel is much smaller. While fontanels should be soft and flat in the early stages, this option doesn't describe the swelling or soft tissue findings as described in the question. The soft, fluid-filled swelling over the head would be more indicative of caput succedaneum rather than a normal fontanel finding.
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