A nurse is assisting with the care of a postpartum female client who delivered vaginally 8 hours ago in the maternity unit.
Exhibit 1: Vital Signs
0700:
- Temperature: 36.2°C (97.2°F)
- Heart rate: 80/min
- Respiratory rate: 16/min
- Blood pressure: 136/82 mm Hg
1100:
- Temperature: 37.2°C (99.0°F)
- Heart rate: 85/min
- Respiratory rate: 18/min
- Blood pressure: 136/86 mm Hg
- Pulse oximetry: 99%
Exhibit 2: Nurses' Notes
0700: The client's breasts were soft, and nipples were intact. The uterus was palpated as firm, midline, and at the level of the umbilicus. There was a moderate amount of lochia rubra. The episiotomy site was well approximated with mild edema and ecchymosis. The client reported pain as 2 on a scale of 0 to 10. She was able to void spontaneously, with no bladder distention. Deep tendon reflexes were 1+. Peripheral edema was 2+ in bilateral lower extremities.
1100: The client's breasts remained soft, and nipples were intact. The uterus was palpated as soft with lateral deviation and 1 cm above the umbilicus. There was a large amount of lochia rubra. The episiotomy site was well approximated with mild edema and ecchymosis. The client reported pain as 3 on a scale of 0 to 10. Deep tendon reflexes were 1+. Peripheral edema was 2+ in bilateral lower extremities.
Querry
Select the 3 findings that require immediate follow-up.
Deep tendon reflexes 1+
Lateral deviation of the uterus
Blood pressure 136/86 mm Hg
Pain rating of 3 on a scale of 0 to 10
Breasts soft
Uterine tone soft
Large amount of lochia rubra
Peripheral edema 2+ in bilateral lower extremities
Correct Answer : B,F,G
Choice A rationale:
Deep tendon reflexes of 1+ are considered normal for a postpartum client and do not typically require immediate follow-up. They indicate slight but definite muscle contraction with reinforcement.
Choice B rationale:
Lateral deviation of the uterus can indicate bladder distension, which can interfere with uterine contraction and increase the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. Immediate follow-up is necessary to address this issue.
Choice C rationale:
A blood pressure of 136/86 mm Hg is within the normal range for a postpartum client and does not require immediate follow-up unless there are other symptoms of preeclampsia or hypertension.
Choice D rationale:
A pain rating of 3 on a scale of 0 to 10 is mild and is expected in the postpartum period. It does not require immediate follow-up unless the pain is severe or unrelieved.
Choice E rationale:
Soft breasts in the immediate postpartum period are normal as milk production has not yet fully begun. This does not require immediate follow-up.
Choice F rationale:
A soft uterine tone indicates uterine atony, which can lead to postpartum hemorrhage. This requires immediate follow-up and intervention to ensure the uterus is contracting properly.
Choice G rationale:
A large amount of lochia rubra can be a sign of postpartum hemorrhage. Immediate follow-up is necessary to assess and manage bleeding.
Choice H rationale:
Peripheral edema of 2+ in the bilateral lower extremities is common in postpartum clients due to fluid shifts and does not typically require immediate follow-up unless accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
"Monitor perineal pads for clots.”. This is incorrect because while monitoring for clots is important, it does not address the underlying issue causing the fundal deviation.
Choice B rationale
"Assist the client to empty her bladder.”. This is correct because a full bladder can cause the uterus to deviate and impede uterine involution. Emptying the bladder helps the uterus to contract properly and return to its normal position.
Choice C rationale
"Notify the provider.”. This is incorrect because the immediate action should be to address the potential cause of the deviation (a full bladder), which can be managed by the nurse.
Choice D rationale
"Administer a prescribed analgesic.”. This is incorrect because administering pain relief does not address the cause of the fundal deviation and does not alleviate the potential issue.
Correct Answer is ["C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Douching is generally not recommended, especially during pregnancy, because it can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina, potentially leading to infections or other complications.
Choice B rationale
Avoiding urination at bedtime is not advisable, as holding in urine can increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Frequent urination is a good practice to help prevent and manage UTIs.
Choice C rationale
Wearing cotton-crotch underwear is recommended because cotton is breathable and helps to keep the genital area dry, reducing the risk of infections and irritation.
Choice D rationale
Eliminating yogurt products from the diet is not necessary; in fact, yogurt contains probiotics that can be beneficial for maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut and vaginal area.
Choice E rationale
Refraining from taking bubble baths is advised, as the chemicals in bubble bath products can irritate the urethra and increase the risk of UTIs.