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 D
Explanation
An increasing trend in maternal heart rate is a sign of fetal distress, which can be a serious complication of PROM. One of the primary interventions for fetal distress is to increase oxygen delivery to the fetus. The practical nurse should initiate oxygen via face mask at 8 to 10 L/min to improve fetal oxygenation.
Contact precautions may be necessary for certain conditions, but they are not indicated for an increasing maternal heart rate.
Inserting a urinary catheter may be appropriate for monitoring output, but it is not the first priority in this situation.
Encouraging the client to push is not appropriate because the client is not in active labor and pushing can cause further complications.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The newborn assessment finding that the practical nurse (PN) should report to the charge nurse immediately for a 24-hour-old infant is a heart rate of 100 beats/minute. The normal heart rate for a newborn is between 120-160 beats/minute. A heart rate of 100 beats/minute is below the normal range and may indicate a problem such as hypothermia or an infection. The PN should report this finding to the charge nurse immediately so that appropriate action can be taken to address the issue. The other assessment findings listed may also be important to monitor, but a heart rate of 100 beats/minute is the most urgent and requires immediate attention.
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