The nurse is assessing a first day postpartum client. Which finding is most indicative of a postpartum infection?
White Blood Cell (WBC. Reference Range: 5000-10,000/mm^3 (5-10 x 10^9/L)
Moderate amount of foul-smelling lochia.
Blood pressure of 122/74 mm Hg
Oral temperature of 100.2°F (37.9°C..
White blood cell count of 19,000/mm^3 (19 x 10^9/L)
The Correct Answer is A
Choice B reason: Blood pressure of 122/74 mm Hg is within the normal range for a postpartum client and does not indicate an infection. However, the nurse should monitor for signs of preeclampsia or eclampsia, such as hypertension, proteinuria, headache, blurred vision, and seizures.
Choice C reason: Oral temperature of 100.2°F (37.9°C. is slightly elevated, but not necessarily indicative of an infection. A mild fever may occur within the first 24 hours after delivery due to dehydration or hormonal changes. However, if the fever persists or increases, the nurse should suspect an infection and notify the healthcare provider.
Choice D reason: White blood cell count of 19,000/mm^3 (19 x 10^9/L) is higher than the normal range, but not necessarily indicative of an infection. A leukocytosis or increased WBC count may occur as a normal response to stress or trauma during delivery. However, if the WBC count remains elevated or increases further, the nurse should suspect an infection and notify the healthcare provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: This hernia is a normal variation that resolves without treatment is a correct explanation for the nurse to provide, as this refers to an umbilical hernia, which is a common and harmless condition in infants that usually disappears by age 2. Therefore, this is the correct choice.
Choice B: An abdominal binder can be worn daily to reduce the protrusion is not an appropriate explanation for the nurse to provide, as this is not an effective or recommended method to treat a hernia. This is a distractor choice.
Choice C: Restrictive clothing will be adequate to help the hernia go away is not a relevant explanation for the nurse to provide, as this does not affect the hernia or its resolution. This is another distractor choice.
Choice D: The quarter should be secured with an elastic bandage wrap is not a sensible explanation for the nurse to provide, as this is a folk remedy that has no scientific basis and can cause skin irritation and infection. This is another distractor choice.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A: Increasing oxygen to 6 liters/minute is not an intervention that the nurse should implement, as this can worsen bronchospasm and hypoxia by reducing the hypoxic drive and causing carbon dioxide retention. This is a contraindicated choice.
Choice B: Calling for an Ambu resuscitation bag is not an intervention that the nurse should implement, as this is not indicated for a client who is conscious and breathing spontaneously. This is an overreaction choice.
Choice C: Instructing the client to lie back in bed is not an intervention that the nurse should implement, as this can increase respiratory distress and compromise airway clearance by reducing lung expansion and increasing abdominal pressure. This is another contraindicated choice.
Choice D: Administering a nebulizer treatment is an intervention that the nurse should implement, as this can deliver bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory agents directly to the airways and improve ventilation and oxygenation for this client. Therefore, this is the correct choice.
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