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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A 10% to 15% increase in blood volume during pregnancy is too low compared to the average physiological changes that occur.
Choice B rationale
A 20% to 30% increase in blood volume is also below the expected range of increase during pregnancy.
Choice C rationale
Blood volume typically increases by 40% to 50% during pregnancy. This significant increase supports the demands of the growing fetus and placenta and prepares the mother's body for the blood loss that occurs during delivery.
Choice D rationale
A 65% to 75% increase is an overestimate. Such an extensive increase would be abnormal and is not typical in healthy pregnancies.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Accelerations are increases in the fetal heart rate (FHR) above the baseline, typically in response to fetal movement or uterine contractions. They indicate a healthy, well-oxygenated
fetus and are not consistent with the described pattern of decelerations.
Choice B rationale
Late decelerations are characterized by a gradual decrease in FHR that begins after the contraction has started, with the lowest point of the deceleration (nadir) occurring after the
peak of the contraction. They are associated with uteroplacental insufficiency and fetal hypoxia, which is not described in the scenario.
Choice C rationale
Early decelerations are a gradual decrease in FHR that mirrors the contraction, starting with the contraction and returning to baseline as the contraction ends. The nadir of the
deceleration occurs at the peak of the contraction, which fits the pattern described.
Choice D rationale
Variable decelerations are abrupt decreases in FHR that can occur at any time during the contraction cycle, usually due to umbilical cord compression. They are not uniform in
relation to contractions and can vary in duration, depth, and timing, unlike the described pattern.