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 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.
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.