A nurse is assessing a client who is 4 hours postpartum following a vaginal delivery.
Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as the priority?
Brisk patellar deep tendon reflexes.
Moderate amount of lochia on the perineal pad over 2 hours.
Fundus at level of umbilicus.
Approximated edges of episiotomy.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Brisk patellar deep tendon reflexes can indicate central nervous system irritability, which might suggest conditions like preeclampsia or eclampsia if accompanied by other symptoms. It's critical to assess and monitor for further complications.
Choice B rationale
A moderate amount of lochia on the perineal pad over 2 hours is normal postpartum bleeding and does not typically indicate an immediate concern if within expected ranges.
Choice C rationale
A fundus at the level of the umbilicus is an expected finding 4 hours postpartum and indicates normal uterine involution. It is not a priority concern at this stage.
Choice D rationale
Approximated edges of an episiotomy indicate that the incision is healing properly without signs of infection or dehiscence. This is a normal and expected finding in the postpartum period.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Hyperbilirubinemia presents with jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) and is caused by excess bilirubin in the blood. It doesn't typically involve a high-pitched cry, increased
muscle tone, or projectile vomiting.
Choice B rationale
Neonatal abstinence syndrome occurs in newborns exposed to addictive opiate drugs while in the mother’s womb. Symptoms include high-pitched crying, increased muscle tone,
yawning, poor feeding with vomiting, and tachypnea due to drug withdrawal.
Choice C rationale
Respiratory distress syndrome is primarily characterized by breathing difficulties, including rapid, shallow breathing and a grunting sound. Symptoms do not typically include high-
pitched cry or projectile vomiting.
Choice D rationale
Necrotizing enterocolitis involves severe inflammation and necrosis of the intestines. Symptoms include abdominal distension, vomiting bile, bloody stools, and apnea but not a high-
pitched cry or increased muscle tone.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Umbilical cord compression typically results in variable decelerations in the fetal heart rate, not moderate variability or regular accelerations. It can lead to changes in fetal heart rate
patterns, but not regular mild contractions.
Choice B rationale
Dysfunctional labor refers to an abnormal labor pattern, including irregular uterine contractions. The described symptoms fit this condition, as they can cause mild pain and be
managed by ambulation, showers, and rest.
Choice C rationale
Chorioamnionitis is an infection of the fetal membranes and amniotic fluid, leading to fever, uterine tenderness, and foul-smelling amniotic fluid, not mild contractions and moderate
variability in FHR.
Choice D rationale
Iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy can cause fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath but does not affect uterine contractions or fetal heart rate.