The practical nurse (PN) is caring for a postpartum client who delivered 5 hours ago and has saturated a perineal pad with a few clots within 15 minutes.
Which action is most important for the PN to implement?
Increase the intravenous infusion rate.
Massage the fundus.
Notify the healthcare provider.
Assess the vital signs.
The Correct Answer is D
The most important action for the PN to implement is to **assess the vital signs**. Saturation of a peripad within 15 minutes to 1 hour after delivery must be promptly reported. Data such as the amount of bleeding, the condition of the uterus, checking the maternal vital signs, and observing for signs of shock would play a vital role in the care of the patient with hemorrhage¹. Early recognition and treatment of PPH are critical to care management.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The first action the PN should take is to obtain a point-of-care glucose test. This will provide immediate information about the patient's blood sugar level and help guide further interventions.
Option A, reviewing prior insulin prescriptions, is important but not the first priority.
Option B, checking blood pressure, is also important but not the most immediate concern.
Option D, assessing urine for ketones, can provide useful information about the presence of ketones in the urine, which can indicate diabetic ketoacidosis, but it is not the first action that should be taken.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. If euglycemia, or normal blood glucose levels, is not maintained during pregnancy, the fetus can be at risk for a number of complications. The greatest risk to the fetus in this situation is the development of a macrosomic newborn, or a newborn that is significantly larger than average. This occurs because the excess glucose in the mother's bloodstream is passed on to the fetus, leading to excessive fetal growth.
Macrosomia can lead to complications during delivery, such as shoulder dystocia, and can increase the risk of injury to both the mother and the baby. While low birth weight and preterm birth are also potential complications of GDM, macrosomia is considered the greatest risk to the fetus if euglycemia is not maintained. Cleft palate is not typically associated with GDM.
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