When the nurse is assessing a postpartum client approximately 6 hours after delivery, which finding would warrant further investigation?
Select one:
Moderate amounts of deep red lochia.
Sweating while afebrile.
Voiding 350 mL of blood-tinged urine.
Heart rate of 115 beats/minute.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason: Moderate amounts of deep red lochia. This is not a finding that would warrant further investigation, but rather a normal finding for the early postpartum period. Lochia is the vaginal discharge that occurs after delivery, which consists of blood, mucus, and tissue from the uterus. Lochia is usually deep red in color and moderate in amount for the first few days after delivery.
Choice B Reason: Sweating while afebrile. This is not a finding that would warrant further investigation, but rather a common occurrence in the postpartum period. Sweating is a mechanism of thermoregulation that helps the body eliminate excess fluid and electrolytes that were retained during pregnancy. Sweating does not necessarily indicate fever or infection.
Choice C Reason: Voiding 350 mL of blood-tinged urine. This is not a finding that would warrant further investigation, but rather an expected outcome for the postpartum period. Voiding large amounts of urine is normal in the postpartum period, as the body eliminates the excess fluid that was accumulated during pregnancy. Blood-tinged urine may be due to trauma or irritation of the urinary tract during labor or delivery, which usually resolves within a few days.
Choice D Reason: Heart rate of 115 beats/minute. This is because a heart rate of 115 beats/minute is higher than the normal range for an adult, which is 60 to 100 beats/minute. A high heart rate may indicate postpartum hemorrhage, infection, pain, anxiety, or dehydration. The nurse should further assess the client for other signs and symptoms of these conditions and notify the physician if necessary.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: "If I try to talk to my partner during a contraction, I can't." This is an incorrect answer that indicates a sign of true labor, not false labor. True labor is a condition where there are regular and painful uterine contractions that cause cervical dilation and effacement, and lead to delivery of the baby and placenta. True labor contractions are usually strong and consistent, and they tend to increase or persist with activity or position changes. True labor contractions can be so intense that they interfere with speech or breathing.
Choice B Reason: ) "My contractions slow down when I walk around." This is because this statement by the client would lead the nurse to suspect that the woman is experiencing false labor, which is also known as Braxton Hicks contractions or practice contractions. False labor is a condition where there are irregular and painless uterine contractions that do not cause cervical dilation or effacement. False labor can occur throughout pregnancy, but it becomes more noticeable and frequent in late pregnancy. False labor contractions are usually weak and inconsistent, and they tend to decrease or stop with activity or position changes.
Choice C Reason: "I feel contractions start mostly in my back and they sweep around to the top of my abdomen." This is an incorrect answer that indicates a sign of true labor, not false labor. True labor contractions usually start in the lower back and radiate to the lower abdomen or groin, following a wave-like patern. False labor contractions are more likely to be felt in the upper abdomen or sides, without a clear patern.
Choice D Reason: "My contractions are about 6 minutes apart and regular." This is an incorrect answer that indicates a sign of true labor, not false labor. True labor contractions usually have a regular frequency and duration, and they become closer and longer as labor progresses. False labor contractions are more likely to have an irregular frequency and duration, and they do not change significantly over time.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Retained placental fragments. This is an incorrect answer that refers to a different cause of late postpartum hemorrhage, which is less common than uterine atony. Retained placental fragments are pieces of placenta that remain atached to the uterine wall after delivery, which prevent uterine contraction and involution, and provide a source of bleeding and infection. Retained placental fragments can be caused by abnormal placentation (such as placenta accreta), manual removal of placenta, or incomplete separation of placenta.
Choice B Reason: Cervical or vaginal lacerations. This is an incorrect answer that refers to a different cause of late postpartum hemorrhage, which is more likely to cause early postpartum hemorrhage than late postpartum hemorrhage. Cervical or vaginal lacerations are tears or cuts in the cervix or vagina that occur during delivery, which can cause bleeding from the damaged blood vessels. Cervical or vaginal lacerations can be caused by rapid or instrumental delivery, large or malpositioned fetus, or episiotomy.
Choice C Reason: Uterine inversion. This is an incorrect answer that refers to a different cause of late postpartum hemorrhage, which is rare and life-threatening. Uterine inversion is a condition where the uterus turns inside out and protrudes through the cervix and vagina after delivery, which can cause massive bleeding and shock. Uterine inversion can be caused by excessive traction on the umbilical cord, fundal pressure, or uterine relaxation.
Choice D Reason: Uterine atony. This is because uterine atony is a condition where the uterus fails to contract and retract after delivery, which leads to bleeding from the placental site. Uterine atony is the most common cause of late postpartum hemorrhage, accounting for about 75% of cases. Late postpartum hemorrhage is excessive bleeding from the uterus or genital tract that occurs more than 24 hours but less than 12 weeks after delivery. Late postpartum hemorrhage can be caused by retained placental fragments, subinvolution of the uterus, infection, or coagulation disorders.
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