A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who was admitted to the postpartum unit. The client is diaphoretic, skin is clammy, pulse is rapid and strong, respirations are shallow. The client reports headache, nausea, and feeling weak.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Administer oxygen.
Offer an ice pack.
Provide a warm blanket.
Elevate the client’s legs.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Administering oxygen may help with symptoms like headache and weakness, but it does not address the underlying issue of poor circulation and potential shock. Elevating the legs is more effective in improving blood flow to vital organs.
Choice B rationale
Offering an ice pack is not appropriate for the symptoms described. The client is showing signs of shock, and an ice pack would not address the underlying issue.
Choice C rationale
Providing a warm blanket may offer comfort, but it does not address the symptoms of shock. Elevating the legs is a more direct intervention to improve circulation and stabilize the client.
Choice D rationale
Elevating the client’s legs helps improve venous return to the heart, increasing cardiac output and stabilizing blood pressure. This is a critical intervention for a client showing signs of shock.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A temperature of 37.8°C (100°F) 18 hours postpartum is slightly elevated but not necessarily indicative of a serious issue. It may require monitoring but is not the most urgent concern.
Choice B rationale
Abdominal pain during breastfeeding 8 hours postpartum is a common experience due to uterine contractions. While it may cause discomfort, it is not typically an urgent concern.
Choice C rationale
Not having a bowel movement 24 hours postpartum is not uncommon and does not usually require immediate attention. It can be addressed with dietary changes and other interventions.
Choice D rationale
Saturating one perineal pad over 2 hours 6 hours postpartum in a G5P4 client indicates a potential risk of postpartum hemorrhage. This is a more urgent concern that requires immediate assessment and intervention to prevent complications.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Retained placental fragments are a significant risk factor for postpartum hemorrhage. If parts of the placenta remain attached to the uterine wall, it can prevent the uterus from contracting properly, leading to excessive bleeding.
Choice B rationale
Breech presentation is not a direct risk factor for postpartum hemorrhage. While it can complicate delivery, it does not directly cause hemorrhage.
Choice C rationale
Urinary tract infection is not a risk factor for postpartum hemorrhage. It can cause other complications but does not directly lead to hemorrhage.
Choice D rationale
Oligohydramnios, or low amniotic fluid, is not a risk factor for postpartum hemorrhage. It can cause complications during pregnancy but does not directly lead to hemorrhage.