When assessing a multigravida on the first postpartum day, the nurse finds a moderate amount of lochia rubra, with the uterus firm and three fingerbreadths above the umbilicus. What action should the nurse implement first?
Check for a distended bladder.
Review the hemoglobin to determine hemorrhage.
Massage the uterus to decrease atony.
Increase intravenous infusion.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice B reason: Reviewing the hemoglobin to determine hemorrhage is an important action, but not the first one. The nurse should first identify and correct the cause of bleeding, such as bladder distension or uterine atony, before checking for blood loss and anemia.
Choice C reason: Massaging the uterus to decrease atony is not indicated in this case, because the uterus is already firm. Massaging a firm uterus can cause overstimulation and pain.
Choice D reason: Increasing intravenous infusion is not the first action, because it may worsen bleeding by increasing blood pressure and diluting clotting factors. The nurse should first assess and manage bleeding before administering fluids or blood products as prescribed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A is correct because a distended bladder can displace the uterus and prevent it from contracting properly, leading to increased bleeding and risk of infection. The nurse should check for a distended bladder and assist the client to empty it if needed.
Choice B is incorrect because reviewing the hemoglobin is not a priority action. The hemoglobin may not reflect the current blood loss and may be done later.
Choice C is incorrect because massaging the uterus is not necessary if it is firm. Massaging a firm uterus can cause overstimulation and pain.
Choice D is incorrect because increasing intravenous infusion is not a priority action. The client may not need additional fluids if the bleeding is moderate and the vital signs are stable.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A: Securing chest tube to the stretcher for transport is a good practice, but it is not the most important action. The chest tube should be secured to prevent accidental dislodgement or kinking, but it does not affect the function of the chest tube or the drainage system.
Choice B: Administering PRN pain medication prior to transport is a compassionate action, but it is not the most important action. The client may experience pain due to the chest tube, the intubation, or the underlying condition, but pain relief is not a priority over maintaining adequate ventilation and drainage.
Choice C: Marking the amount of chest drainage on the container is a useful action, but it is not the most important action. The amount of chest drainage should be recorded and reported to monitor the client's status and detect any complications, such as hemorrhage or infection, but it does not affect the immediate function of the chest tube or the drainage system.
Choice D: Keeping the chest tube container below the site of insertion is the most important action for the nurse to take. The chest tube container should be kept below the level of the client's chest to maintain a gravity-dependent pressure gradient that allows air and fluid to drain from the pleural space. If the container is raised above the site of insertion, it can cause backflow of air or fluid into the pleural space, which can compromise ventilation and cause tension pneumothorax.
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