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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Cooling the newborn’s heel would constrict blood vessels and make it more difficult to obtain a blood sample. Warming the heel is the preferred method to increase blood flow.
Choice B rationale
Puncturing the center of the newborn’s heel is not recommended as it could cause more pain and potential injury to the bone. The puncture should be done on the outer edges of the heel.
Choice C rationale
Cleansing the puncture site with alcohol gauze is essential to reduce the risk of infection and ensure that the sample is not contaminated.
Choice D rationale
Administering vitamin K before each blood draw is unnecessary. Vitamin K is typically given as a one-time dose to prevent bleeding issues, not related to blood draw procedures.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Hypertension is not a characteristic finding of hyperemesis gravidarum, which primarily affects fluid balance and nutritional status.
Choice B rationale
Dry mucous membranes are a sign of dehydration, commonly associated with hyperemesis gravidarum due to excessive vomiting.
Choice C rationale
Tachycardia can result from dehydration and electrolyte imbalances seen in hyperemesis gravidarum.
Choice D rationale
Poor skin turgor indicates dehydration, a common symptom of hyperemesis gravidarum.
Choice E rationale
Polyuria is not typical in hyperemesis gravidarum; the condition usually leads to dehydration, reducing urine output.