The nurse is caring for a client who delivered 6 hours ago.
The client’s uterus is boggy and is displaced above and to the right of the umbilicus. What action should the nurse take?
Monitor the client’s vital signs.
Notify the healthcare provider.
Inspect the perineal pad.
Encourage the client to void.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
While monitoring the client’s vital signs is an important part of postpartum care, it would not directly address the issue of a boggy uterus that is displaced above and to the right of the umbilicus.
Choice B rationale
Notifying the healthcare provider is important, but it would not be the first action to take. The nurse should first attempt to address the issue.
Choice C rationale
Inspecting the perineal pad could provide information about the client’s postpartum bleeding, but it would not directly address the issue of a boggy uterus that is displaced above and to the right of the umbilicus.
Choice D rationale
Encouraging the client to void is the correct action. A full bladder can displace the uterus, preventing it from contracting properly. By emptying the bladder, the uterus may be able to contract and return to its normal position.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice B rationale
When preparing to administer magnesium sulfate to a laboring client with elevated blood pressure, ensuring that calcium gluconate is immediately available is of the highest priority. Calcium gluconate is the antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity, and having it readily available is crucial in case of an overdose.
Choice A rationale
While assessing deep tendon reflexes (DTRs) every 4 hours is an important part of monitoring a client receiving magnesium sulfate, it is not the most immediate priority when preparing to administer the medication.
Choice C rationale
Inserting a Foley catheter with a urimeter to monitor hourly output is an important part of the overall management of a client receiving magnesium sulfate. However, it is not the most immediate priority when preparing to administer the medication.
Choice D rationale
Providing a quiet environment with subdued lighting can contribute to the comfort of a laboring client. However, it is not the most immediate priority when preparing to administer magnesium sulfate.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While notifying the healthcare provider of the assessment findings is important, it would not be the first action to take. The nurse should first gather more information about the client’s condition.
Choice B rationale
Obtaining a STAT hemoglobin and hematocrit would not be the first action to take. These tests could provide information about the client’s blood volume and potential for anemia, but they would not directly address the client’s complaint of a severe headache.
Choice C rationale
Determining if the client received anesthesia during delivery is the correct first action. A severe headache in the postpartum period can be a sign of a post-dural puncture headache, which can occur as a complication of spinal or epidural anesthesia.
Choice D rationale
Assigning a practical nurse (PN) to reassess the client’s vital signs would not be the first action to take. While ongoing monitoring of the client’s vital signs is important, the nurse should first investigate the potential cause of the client’s severe headache.
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