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
An increase in lochia is not an indicator of the effectiveness of oxytocin. Lochia is the vaginal discharge after childbirth and its amount can vary.
Choice B rationale
The absence of breast pain is not related to the effectiveness of oxytocin, which is used to prevent postpartum hemorrhage by promoting uterine contractions.
Choice C rationale
An increase in blood pressure is not an expected outcome of oxytocin administration. Oxytocin primarily affects the uterus.
Choice D rationale
A firm fundus to palpation indicates that the uterus is contracting effectively, which is the desired effect of oxytocin administration to prevent postpartum hemorrhage.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Lack of appetite is not typically associated with the taking-in phase of maternal postpartum adjustment. During this phase, the mother is more focused on her own needs, such as rest and recovery from childbirth.
Choice B rationale
Eagerness to learn newborn care skills is more characteristic of the taking-hold phase, which follows the taking-in phase. In the taking-in phase, the mother is more passive and dependent, focusing on her own needs.
Choice C rationale
Discussion of the birth experience is a common behavior during the taking-in phase. The mother often wants to talk about her labor and delivery experience as a way to process and integrate the event.
Choice D rationale
Reconnection with her partner is not a primary focus during the taking-in phase. The mother is more focused on her own recovery and the immediate needs of her newborn.