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","D","F"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Supplementing with formula is not necessary based on the given information. The baby is voiding and passing stools adequately, indicating proper feeding. Instead, feeding on demand and ensuring frequent breastfeeding will help address any concerns about the baby's weight.
Choice B rationale:
Feeding 8 to 12 times per day and on demand is recommended to ensure adequate milk supply and proper growth and development of the newborn. Frequent feeding helps to establish and maintain milk production.
Choice C rationale:
Using plastic-lined breast pads is not recommended as they can trap moisture and create an environment that promotes nipple irritation and infection. It is better to use breathable, non-plastic-lined breast pads.
Choice D rationale:
It is correct that a newborn's stools should transition from the dark greenish color meconium to a yellow color within a few days as the baby begins digesting breast milk.
Choice E rationale:
Drinking more whole milk does not directly increase a mother's milk supply. Milk supply is primarily regulated by the frequency and efficiency of breastfeeding or pumping.
Choice F rationale:
Expecting the breasts to feel full, warm, and slightly tender when the milk comes in is accurate. This usually occurs around the third or fourth day postpartum and indicates that the milk production process is underway.
Correct Answer is ["B","E","F"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The statement suggests supplementing with formula due to the baby’s weight loss. However, a 5% weight loss in the first few days is normal for breastfed infants, and formula
supplementation is not necessary unless recommended by a healthcare provider. Early breastfeeding should be encouraged to increase milk supply and support newborn weight gain.
Choice B rationale:
This statement correctly indicates that newborns should feed 8 to 12 times per day and on demand to ensure adequate nutrition and promote milk production. Frequent breastfeeding
helps establish and maintain milk supply.
Choice C rationale:
Using plastic-lined breast pads can retain moisture and increase the risk of infection or irritation. Sore nipples can be managed with lanolin creams, air-drying, and proper latching
techniques during breastfeeding.
Choice D rationale:
Drinking more whole milk is a common misconception and does not directly increase a mother's milk supply. Milk production is influenced by frequent breastfeeding, proper hydration,
and balanced nutrition, not by specific types of foods or drinks.
Choice E rationale:
Newborn stools transition from dark greenish meconium to yellow, seedy stools within the first few days of life as breastfeeding becomes established. This indicates effective feeding
and milk intake.
Choice F rationale:
It is normal for a breastfeeding mother’s breasts to feel full, warm, and slightly tender as her milk comes in. This indicates that the milk supply is increasing and the body is responding
to the newborn’s feeding needs.