The nurse instructs a postpartum patient in the use of a sitz bath. Which action by the patient indicates that the teaching was effective?
The patient uses the sitz bath three times a day.
The patient alternates between warm and cool sitz baths.
The patient remains in the sitz bath for up to 60 minutes.
The patient alternates tightening and relaxing her perineal muscles during her sitz bath.
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice A. The patient uses the sitz bath three times a day. This indicates that the patient understands the benefits of sitz baths for postpartum recovery, such as pain relief, increased blood flow, relaxation, cleansing, and itch relief. Sitz baths can be done with warm or cool water, depending on the preference of the patient. However, they should not be done for more than 20 minutes at a time, as this can cause the stitches in the perineal area to fall apart.
Therefore, choice C is wrong. Choice B is also wrong, as there is no evidence that alternating between warm and cool sitz baths has any additional benefits or effects.
Choice D is wrong, as tightening and relaxing the perineal muscles during a sitz bath is not recommended. This can cause more pain and irritation to the area, and interfere with the healing process. The normal ranges for sitz baths are two to four times a day for up to 20 minutes each.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C. Ask what the patient ate and drank within the last day or two.This is because the nurse needs to assess the patient’s current nutritional status and eating habits before providing any education or advice.The nurse can then tailor the counseling to the patient’s specific needs and preferences.
Choice A is wrong because it is not the first action that the nurse should take.While it is important to explain the importance of adequate nutrition for the patient’s own growth and development, this should be done after assessing the patient’s current situation.
Choice B is wrong because it is not the first action that the nurse should take.While it is important to explain the relationship between the patient’s eating habits and fetal development, this should be done after assessing the patient’s current situation.
Choice D is wrong because it is not the first action that the nurse should take.While it is important to discuss with the patient the basic nutritional requirements of pregnancy, this should be done after assessing the patient’s current situation.
The normal ranges for nutritional intake during pregnancy vary depending on the age, weight, activity level, and health status of the patient.
However, some general guidelines are:
• Increase calorie intake by about 300 calories per day
• Increase protein intake by about 25 grams per day
• Increase calcium intake by about 1000 milligrams per day
• Increase iron intake by about 27 milligrams per day
• Increase folic acid intake by about 600 micrograms per day
• Increase fluid intake by about 8 to 10 cups per day
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This is because the first priority for a pregnant woman with acute abdominal pain is to assess the fetal well-being and rule out any obstetric complications such as placental abruption, uterine rupture, or preterm labor.Fetal heart tones can indicate the presence and viability of the fetus and alert the nurse to any signs of fetal distress or hypoxia.
Choice A: Obtain a full history is wrong because it is not the most urgent action.
A full history can provide valuable information about the possible causes of abdominal pain, but it should not delay the assessment of fetal status and maternal vital signs.
Choice B: Examine the cervix for dilation is wrong because it can be harmful in some cases.A digital cervical examination should be avoided until placenta previa is ruled out by ultrasound, as it can cause bleeding and worsen the condition.
Moreover, cervical dilation alone does not indicate the cause or severity of abdominal pain.
Choice D: Palpate for uterine contraction frequency is wrong because it is not the most reliable method to assess labor.Uterine contractions can be measured by external tocodynamometry or internal intrauterine pressure catheter, which can provide more accurate and objective data than manual palpation.
Furthermore, uterine contractions do not necessarily indicate labor, as they can also be caused by other conditions such as dehydration, infection, or irritable uterus.
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