A nurse is caring for a 28-year-old female client in the fourth stage of labor after a vaginal delivery in the labor and delivery unit.
History and Physical: The client is a Gravida 3 Para 2 (T2P0A0L2) with chronic hypertension. She was admitted for medical induction of labor due to gestational diabetes with a Bishop score of 9 on admission. The plan was to induce labor with oxytocin.
Vital Signs:
1130:
- Blood Pressure: 144/92 mmHg
- Pulse: 99 bpm
- Respirations: 17/min
- Temperature: 100.4°F (38.0°C)
- Pulse Ox: 97%
Nurses Notes: At 1040, the client underwent a vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery of a viable female infant weighing 4215 grams. The placenta was manually extracted at 1035, appearing intact. At 1130, the fundus was boggy, midline, and at the umbilicus. Lochia rubra was heavy with small clots noted. The IV was patent and currently infusing ordered oxytocin.
Diagnostic Tests:
- Hemoglobin: 11g/dL (9.5-11 g/dL)
- Hematocrit: 33% (28-33%)
- White Blood Cell Count: 12,000/mm³ (5,600-17,000/mm³)
- Platelets: 151,000/mm³ (140,000-400,000/mm³)
- Protein Creatinine Ratio: 0.01 (less than 0.3)
- HbA1c: 8.9% (less than 5.7%)
Querry: Which of the following assessment findings require follow-up? Select All That Apply.
Temperature
Fundal tone
Lochia
Respiratory rate
White blood cell count
Blood pressure
Correct Answer : A,B,C,F
Choice A rationale:
A postpartum temperature of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher may indicate an infection. Infections can occur after delivery, particularly if there was a manual extraction of the placenta, as in
this case. Close monitoring and further assessment are necessary to ensure the client does not develop sepsis or other complications.
Choice B rationale:
Fundal tone should be firm and well-contracted to prevent excessive bleeding postpartum. A boggy, midline fundus suggests that the uterus is not contracting effectively, increasing the
risk for postpartum hemorrhage. This requires immediate attention and intervention to ensure adequate uterine tone and control bleeding.
Choice C rationale:
Lochia should be monitored for quantity, color, and the presence of clots. Heavy lochia with small clots indicates that the client may be experiencing postpartum hemorrhage, which is a
significant concern. This can be related to uterine atony, retained placental fragments, or coagulopathies and warrants prompt evaluation and intervention.
Choice D rationale:
A respiratory rate of 17/min is within the normal adult range (12-20/min) and does not require follow-up. There are no signs of respiratory distress or abnormalities in this case, indicating
that the client's respiratory status is stable and does not necessitate further evaluation.
Choice E rationale:
A white blood cell count of 12,000/mm³ is within the expected range for postpartum women, where normal values can be elevated due to physiological stress and inflammation from
delivery. This level does not indicate infection or pathology and does not require follow-up in the context provided.
Choice F rationale:
Blood pressure of 144/92 mmHg is elevated and concerning, particularly in a postpartum client with a history of chronic hypertension and gestational diabetes. This could signal
postpartum preeclampsia or other hypertensive disorders, requiring careful monitoring and management to prevent complications like seizures, stroke, or organ damage.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Hyperbilirubinemia presents with jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) and is caused by excess bilirubin in the blood. It doesn't typically involve a high-pitched cry, increased
muscle tone, or projectile vomiting.
Choice B rationale
Neonatal abstinence syndrome occurs in newborns exposed to addictive opiate drugs while in the mother’s womb. Symptoms include high-pitched crying, increased muscle tone,
yawning, poor feeding with vomiting, and tachypnea due to drug withdrawal.
Choice C rationale
Respiratory distress syndrome is primarily characterized by breathing difficulties, including rapid, shallow breathing and a grunting sound. Symptoms do not typically include high-
pitched cry or projectile vomiting.
Choice D rationale
Necrotizing enterocolitis involves severe inflammation and necrosis of the intestines. Symptoms include abdominal distension, vomiting bile, bloody stools, and apnea but not a high-
pitched cry or increased muscle tone.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Copious vernix is typically found on preterm newborns, not those born post-term.
Choice B rationale
Dry, cracked skin is a common finding in post-term newborns due to prolonged exposure to amniotic fluid.
Choice C rationale
Decreased subcutaneous fat is more likely in preterm newborns, while post-term newborns might lose some fat due to nutrient depletion.
Choice D rationale
Scant scalp hair is more common in preterm infants, whereas post-term infants usually have more developed hair. .