A nurse in a clinic is caring for a client who is 4 weeks postpartum following the birth of a healthy newborn. The client reports feeling “down and sad,” having no energy, and wanting to cry. Which of the following is a priority action by the nurse?
Ask the client if she has thoughts of or considered harming herself or her newborn.
Anticipate a prescription by the provider for an antidepressant.
Assist the family to identify prior use of positive coping skills in family crises.
Reinforce postpartum and newborn care discharge teaching.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Asking the client if she has thoughts of or considered harming herself or her newborn is the priority action. This assessment is crucial for identifying postpartum depression and potential risks to the client and her newborn. Early identification and intervention can prevent harm.
Choice B rationale
Anticipating a prescription for an antidepressant is important but secondary to assessing immediate safety concerns. Medication can be part of the treatment plan after assessing the client’s mental state.
Choice C rationale
Assisting the family to identify prior use of positive coping skills is beneficial for long-term management but is not the immediate priority. The nurse must first ensure the client’s and newborn’s safety.
Choice D rationale
Reinforcing postpartum and newborn care discharge teaching is important for overall care but does not address the immediate concern of potential harm due to postpartum depression.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The rubella vaccine should not be taken during pregnancy. It is a live attenuated vaccine, and there is a theoretical risk of harm to the developing fetus. Therefore, it is recommended to receive the vaccine before pregnancy.
Choice B rationale
The rubella vaccine is not recommended during each pregnancy. It is typically given as part of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine series in childhood, and immunity is usually lifelong. A booster dose is not needed during each pregnancy.
Choice C rationale
The rubella vaccine is not related to the Rh status of the baby. The vaccine is given to prevent rubella infection, which can cause serious birth defects if contracted during pregnancy.
Choice D rationale
The correct statement is that the client should avoid pregnancy for 28 days after receiving the rubella vaccine. This is to ensure that the live attenuated virus does not pose a risk to a developing fetus.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Asking the client to rate her pain is important for assessing discomfort, but it does not address the immediate issue of a deviated fundus. A deviated fundus often indicates a full bladder, which can impede uterine contraction and increase the risk of postpartum hemorrhage.
Choice B rationale
Encouraging the client to perform Kegel exercises is beneficial for pelvic floor strengthening but does not address the immediate concern of a deviated fundus. The priority is to ensure the uterus can contract properly.
Choice C rationale
Assisting the client to the bathroom to void is the correct action. A full bladder can displace the uterus, preventing it from contracting effectively and increasing the risk of hemorrhage. Voiding helps the uterus return to its proper position and function.
Choice D rationale
Encouraging the client to move to the left lateral position may provide comfort but does not address the underlying issue of a full bladder causing uterine displacement.