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.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Positioning the newborn's car seat at a 45° angle helps to maintain an open airway and reduces the risk of the baby's head falling forward, which can obstruct breathing.
Choice B rationale
Placing the car seat in a forward-facing position is incorrect for a newborn. Newborns and infants should always be placed in a rear-facing car seat to protect their head, neck, and spine in the event of a crash.
Choice C rationale
Placing a rolled blanket behind the newborn's neck is not recommended as it can alter the position of the head and neck, potentially compromising the airway. Proper positioning is crucial to ensure safety and comfort.
Choice D rationale
The retainer clip should be positioned at the level of the newborn's armpits, not the umbilicus. Proper placement of the retainer clip ensures that the harness is secure and reduces the risk of injury in a collision.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Chemotherapy is not a standard treatment for a molar pregnancy unless malignancy is suspected or confirmed. It is usually monitored with regular HCG levels and follow-up.
Choice B rationale
Attending a support group is crucial for emotional support and ensuring that the client has access to resources and information about recovery and future pregnancy planning.
Choice C rationale
Home palliative services are not typically required after a molar pregnancy unless there are specific complications that necessitate such care. The focus is generally on monitoring HCG levels and follow-up.
Choice D rationale
An amniocentesis is not needed after a molar pregnancy. Follow-up includes HCG level monitoring to ensure all molar tissue is gone and to watch for malignancy, not amniocentesis.