The nurse is caring for a client who delivered 6 hours ago. Assessment findings reveal a boggy uterus that is displaced above and to the right of the umbilicus. Which action should the nurse take?
Encourage voiding
Notify healthcare provider
Inspect the perineal pad
Monitor vital signs
The Correct Answer is A
Encourage voiding: A boggy uterus that is displaced above and to the right of the umbilicus often indicates that the bladder may be distended, which can push the uterus out of its normal position and prevent it from contracting properly. Encouraging the client to void can help to reduce bladder distension and allow the uterus to return to its normal position and firm up.
Notify healthcare provider: While this may ultimately be necessary if the problem persists or other complications are noted, the immediate action should be to address the most common cause of uterine displacement, which is bladder distension.
Inspect the perineal pad:
Checking the perineal pad can give clues about the amount of lochia (postpartum vaginal discharge). However, in this scenario, the priority lies in addressing the potential uterine atony.
Monitor vital signs:
While it's important to monitor vital signs, especially in postpartum clients, the priority here is recognizing and managing the potential uterine atony.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Unilateral lower leg pain:
Unilateral lower leg pain can be a symptom of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a serious condition. It requires further assessment and intervention.
B. Soft, spongy fundus:
A soft, spongy fundus is not a normal finding 12 hours postpartum. The fundus should be firm and well-contracted. A soft fundus could indicate uterine atony, a potential cause of postpartum hemorrhage.
C. Saturating two perineal pads per hour:
Saturating two perineal pads per hour is not a normal finding and may indicate excessive bleeding, which is concerning for postpartum hemorrhage. This requires immediate attention.
D. Pulse rate of 56 beats/minute:
A pulse rate of 56 beats per minute can be within the normal range, especially if the client is at rest. However, it's essential to consider the overall clinical picture and whether there are any signs of distress or symptoms associated with a low pulse rate.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Administer oxygen via facemask: Oxygen administration is generally a step in managing fetal distress. However, when dealing with variable decelerations, the initial action involves repositioning the mother to alleviate potential cord compression, as variable decelerations are often due to compression of the umbilical cord.
B. Turn off the oxytocin infusion: If variable decelerations persist despite repositioning, it might be necessary to discontinue the oxytocin (Pitocin) infusion temporarily. Oxytocin can cause or exacerbate uterine hyperstimulation, which can contribute to fetal distress.
C. Assess cervical dilatation: Assessing cervical dilatation might be a part of the overall assessment but might not directly address the immediate issue of variable decelerations. However, it's essential to monitor the progress of labor as part of the broader assessment.
D. Change the client's position: This is the recommended first action for variable decelerations. Repositioning the mother, such as moving her to a lateral or knee-chest position, can relieve potential cord compression and improve fetal oxygenation.
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