A nurse is caring for a client who is 3 days postpartum in the postpartum unit.
History and Physical: A 30-year-old female client had a vaginal birth 3 days ago with prolonged rupture of membranes. Internal fetal monitoring was used during labor. The client has been experiencing fever, chills, and abdominal pain. She has a history of gestational diabetes and hypertension.
Nurses Notes: The client reports feeling weak and fatigued. She has been having difficulty breastfeeding and feels engorged. The lochia is malodorous and heavy. She complains of a headache and dizziness. The client has been crying frequently and expresses feeling overwhelmed. She also mentions that she has not been able to sleep well since delivery.
Vital Signs:
Temperature: 38.5°C (101.3°F)
Pulse: 110 bpm
Respiratory rate: 24 breaths per minute
Blood pressure: 140/90 mmHg
Oxygen saturation: 98% on room air
Physical Examination Results:
The client appears pale and diaphoretic. Her breasts are tender and engorged with signs of erythema. The abdomen is soft but tender to palpation, especially in the lower quadrants. The fundus is boggy and located above the umbilicus. Lochia is heavy and malodorous. There is mild pedal edema noted in both lower extremities.
Querry:A nurse is caring for a client who is 3 days postpartum. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? (Click on the "Exhibit" button for additional information about the client.)
Obtain a prescription for a broad-spectrum antibiotic.
Initiate airborne isolation precautions.
Place the client on strict bedrest.
Instruct the client to stop breastfeeding.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Obtain a prescription for a broad-spectrum antibiotic.
The client's fever (38.5°C), chills, abdominal pain, malodorous lochia, and tender fundus suggest a potential postpartum infection, such as endometritis. Administering a broad-spectrum antibiotic is necessary to treat the infection. Given the clinical scenario, the nurse should prioritize addressing the client's symptoms and signs that suggest infection and support her well-being postpartum. Here's a breakdown of the appropriate actions:
B. Initiate airborne isolation precautions.
-
Not necessary in this case. The client's symptoms and signs do not suggest an airborne infectious disease.
C. Place the client on strict bedrest.
-
This is not necessary. While rest is important, strict bedrest may not be required and could increase the risk of other complications, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
D. Instruct the client to stop breastfeeding.
-
Not necessary unless there is a specific contraindication. Instead, the nurse can provide support and advice on managing engorgement and breastfeeding difficulties.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Checking the client's temperature frequently following the procedure is crucial. An amniotomy increases the risk of infection, so frequent monitoring of temperature helps in early
detection and management of any potential infections.
Choice B rationale
Inserting misoprostol rectally every 2 hours following the procedure is not recommended. Misoprostol is a medication used for inducing labor or controlling postpartum hemorrhage,
not for routine use post-amniotomy.
Choice C rationale
Obtaining a biophysical profile during the procedure is not relevant. A biophysical profile is an assessment of fetal well-being and is not typically performed during amniotomy.
Choice D rationale
Performing effleurage to the client's abdomen during the procedure is not necessary. Effleurage is a massage technique used for pain relief during labor, but it is not related to the management of an amniotomy. .
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A positive pregnancy test is a probable sign of pregnancy as it indicates the presence of hCG, a hormone produced during pregnancy. However, it is not a presumptive sign, as other
conditions can also result in elevated hCG levels.
Choice B rationale
Amenorrhea, or the absence of menstrual periods, is a presumptive sign of pregnancy. It is one of the earliest indications that a woman may be pregnant, though it can also be
caused by other factors such as stress or hormonal imbalances.
Choice C rationale
Fetal heart sounds detected by Doppler ultrasound are a positive sign of pregnancy, confirming the presence of a fetus. This is not a presumptive sign as it is direct evidence of
pregnancy.
Choice D rationale
Chadwick's sign, a bluish discoloration of the cervix, vagina, and labia due to increased blood flow, is considered a probable sign of pregnancy. It is not a presumptive sign but rather
a physical change that occurs during pregnancy. .