A nurse is assessing a client who is 2 hr postpartum and received spinal anesthesia for a cesarean birth.
Which of the following findings requires immediate intervention by the nurse?
Respiratory rate 10/min.
Blood pressure 100/70 mm Hg.
Urinary output 30 ml/hr.
Headache pain rated a 6 on a scale of 0 to 10. .
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
A respiratory rate of 10/min is concerning as it indicates possible respiratory depression, which can be a side effect of spinal anesthesia. This requires immediate intervention to
prevent hypoxia and other complications.
Choice B rationale
Blood pressure of 100/70 mm Hg is within normal limits and does not require immediate intervention in this context.
Choice C rationale
Urinary output of 30 ml/hr is slightly low, but it is not immediately life-threatening. It may require monitoring and further assessment if it persists.
Choice D rationale
A headache pain rated a 6 on a scale of 0 to 10 could indicate a post-dural puncture headache, which is common after spinal anesthesia. It requires attention but is not an immediate
life-threatening condition. .
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Monitoring the newborn's blood pressure does not directly address symptoms like diaphoresis, jitteriness, and lethargy. These symptoms indicate an immediate need to check blood glucose levels for hypoglycemia.
Choice B rationale
Obtaining blood glucose by heel stick is the correct step because diaphoresis, jitteriness, and lethargy in a newborn are classic signs of hypoglycemia. Timely detection and correction of blood glucose levels are critical.
Choice C rationale
Placing the newborn in a radiant warmer might help maintain body temperature but does not address the root cause of the symptoms, which is likely hypoglycemia.
Choice D rationale
Initiating phototherapy is used to treat jaundice (high bilirubin levels) and is not indicated for managing symptoms of hypoglycemia like diaphoresis, jitteriness, and lethargy.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A rapid pulse is not typically associated with magnesium toxicity. Magnesium toxicity more commonly affects the nervous and muscular systems.
Choice B rationale
Tingling in toes can be a sign of early magnesium sulfate effects but not necessarily toxicity. It may indicate that the medication is starting to affect the nervous system.
Choice C rationale
Cool skin temperature is not a common sign of magnesium toxicity. Symptoms of magnesium toxicity are more related to neuromuscular and respiratory function.
Choice D rationale
Absent deep tendon reflexes are a key indicator of magnesium toxicity. This finding suggests that magnesium levels are high enough to depress neuromuscular function, requiring immediate medical intervention. .