What is the primary rationale for monitoring a new mother every 15 minutes for the first hour after delivery?

To check for postpartum hemorrhage

To determine if the mother's milk is coming in

To monitor the mother's blood pressure to note any elevations

To answer questions the new parents may have

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

To check for postpartum hemorrhage.

This is because postpartum hemorrhage is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication that can occur within 24 hours of birth or later. It is defined as a blood loss of more than 500 mL in a vaginal delivery or more than 1000 mL in a cesarean delivery. The most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage is uterine atony, which is the failure of the uterus to contract after delivery. Other causes include lacerations, retained placental fragments, coagulation disorders, and uterine rupture. Monitoring the vital signs, especially blood pressure, and pulse, can help detect signs of hypovolemia due to blood loss. Other signs include pale skin, cold and clammy extremities, delayed capillary refill, decreased urine output, and altered mental status.

Choice B is not correct because determining if the mother's milk is coming in is not the primary rationale for monitoring a new mother every 15 minutes for the first hour after delivery. Milk production usually begins around 48 to 72 hours after delivery and is influenced by hormonal changes, breastfeeding frequency, and maternal health. Although breastfeeding support is important for postpartum care, it is not a priority over checking for postpartum hemorrhage.

Choice C is not correct because monitoring the mother's blood pressure to note any elevations is not the primary rationale for monitoring a new mother every 15 minutes for the first hour after delivery. Elevated blood pressure can indicate gestational hypertension or preeclampsia, which are serious conditions that can affect postpartum women. However, these conditions are more likely to cause symptoms such as headache, blurred vision, epigastric pain, and proteinuria⁴.

Moreover, blood pressure may not be a sensitive indicator of blood loss and may remain normal until a significant amount of blood is lost¹.

Choice D is not correct because answering questions the new parents may have is not the primary rationale for monitoring a new mother every 15 minutes for the first hour after delivery. Although providing education and support to the new parents is an essential part of postpartum care, it is not a priority over checking for postpartum hemorrhage. The new parents may have questions about infant care, feeding, contraception, recovery, and other topics that can be addressed during the postpartum period.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The Moro reflex was elicited. This is because the Moro reflex is a normal newborn reflex that occurs when the baby is startled by a loud noise or a sudden movement. The baby responds by extending the arms and legs, opening the hands, and then bringing the arms and legs back to the chest.

The Moro reflex is present at birth and disappears by 3 to 6 months of age.

Choice B is wrong because this is not abnormal for a full-term infant. The Moro reflex is a sign of a healthy nervous system and brain development.

Choice C is wrong because there is no evidence of an abnormality in the musculoskeletal system. The Moro reflex does not indicate any problems with the bones or muscles of the baby.

Choice D is wrong because the full-term infant should react to sudden movement. The Moro reflex is a protective response that helps the baby cling to the mother in case of danger.

A. Increase the rate of IV fluids. B. Assist the client to ambulate. C. Perform fundal massage. D. Check for blood under the client's buttock.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Check for blood under the client's buttock. This is because lochia rubra is the normal vaginal discharge that occurs after childbirth, consisting of blood, mucus, and tissue from the placenta and the uterus lining. It is usually heavy for the first three to four days and can pool under the client's buttocks if they are lying down. Checking for blood under the buttock can help assess the amount of bleeding and prevent complications such as infection or hemorrhage.

The other choices are not correct for the following reasons:

A. Increasing the rate of the IV fluids is not necessary because the client's fundus is firm and midline, indicating that the uterus is contracting well and preventing excessive bleeding.

B. Assisting the client to ambulate is not advisable because it can increase the lochia flow and cause fainting or dizziness due to blood loss.

C. Performing fundal massage is not indicated because the fundus is already firm and midline, meaning that the uterus is adequately contracted. Massaging a firm fundus can cause pain and discomfort to the client.

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What is the primary rationale for monitoring a new mother every 15 minutes for the first hour after delivery?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

When the newborn's crib was moved suddenly, the nurse noticed that his legs flexed and the arms fanned out, and then both came back toward the midline. The nurse would interpret this behavior as:

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is 4 hr postpartum. The nurse finds a small amount of lochia rubra on the client's perineal pad. The fundus is midline and firm at the umbilicus. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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