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
The fetal heartbeat cannot typically be heard via Doppler as early as 4 weeks of pregnancy. At this stage, the heart is still developing, and it is too soon for external detection with a Doppler device.
Choice B rationale
The fetal heartbeat is generally detectable by an external Doppler device around 10-12 weeks of pregnancy. This is the period when the heartbeat is strong enough to be picked up by the device.
Choice C rationale
Feeling the baby move, known as "quickening," typically occurs around 18-24 weeks of pregnancy, not 6 weeks. This sensation is different from hearing the heartbeat.
Choice D rationale
While the heart begins to form around week 5, it is not detectable by Doppler at 6 weeks. The technology does not have the sensitivity to detect such an early heartbeat externally.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","G"]
Explanation
Choice A: Respiratory assessment
The newborn is exhibiting signs of respiratory distress, such as mild grunting, nasal flaring, and intermittent retractions. These symptoms indicate potential respiratory issues that need immediate attention.
Choice B: Hemoglobin
The newborn's hemoglobin level is 9 g/dL, which is below the normal range of 14 to 24 g/dL2. This indicates anemia, which can affect the baby's oxygen-carrying capacity and overall health.
Choice C: Serum glucose
The newborn's serum glucose level is 38 mg/dL, which is below the normal range of 40 to 45 mg/dL2. Hypoglycemia in newborns can lead to serious complications if not addressed promptly.
Choice D: Heart rate
The newborn's heart rate is 180 beats per minute, which is above the normal range for a newborn (normal range: 120-160 beats per minute)2. This tachycardia could be a response to stress or an underlying condition that needs evaluation.
Choice G: Hematocrit
The newborn's hematocrit level is 35%, which is below the normal range of 44% to 64%2. This further supports the presence of anemia and the need for intervention2