A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing shaking chills during the immediate postpartum period.Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Place the client on seizure precautions.
Cover the client with warm blankets.
Determine the client’s temperature.
Notify the charge nurse.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Placing the client on seizure precautions is not appropriate for shaking chills during the immediate postpartum period. Shaking chills are a common physiological response after childbirth due to hormonal changes and the body’s effort to regulate temperature. Seizure precautions are reserved for clients with a history of seizures or those exhibiting signs of a seizure disorder.
Choice B rationale
Covering the client with warm blankets is the correct action. Shaking chills are often due to the body’s attempt to regain thermal balance. Providing warmth with blankets helps to alleviate the chills and provide comfort to the client.
Choice C rationale
Determining the client’s temperature is important but not the immediate action to take. While it is necessary to monitor for fever, which could indicate an infection, the priority is to provide comfort and warmth to the client experiencing chills.
Choice D rationale
Notifying the charge nurse is not the immediate action required. The nurse should first address the client’s immediate need for warmth and comfort. If the chills persist or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms, then notifying the charge nurse would be appropriate.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice D rationale
Using a postpartum depression-screening tool with the client is the first action the nurse should take. This tool helps to assess the severity of the client’s symptoms and determine the appropriate level of care. Early identification and intervention are crucial in managing postpartum depression effectively.
Choice A rationale
Arranging for counseling to help the client cope with the stress of being a parent is important, but it is not the first action. Counseling can be part of the treatment plan after the initial assessment using the screening tool.
Choice B rationale
Reinforcing teaching about ways to increase rest and sleep is beneficial for the client’s overall well-being, but it does not address the immediate need to assess the severity of the client’s depressive symptoms.
Choice C rationale
Requesting a prescription for an antidepressant medication may be necessary, but it should be based on the results of the screening tool and a thorough assessment by a healthcare provider.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice B rationale
A heart rate of 110/min is a sign of tachycardia, which can indicate a postpartum complication such as infection, hemorrhage, or other underlying conditions. Tachycardia requires immediate assessment and intervention.
Choice A rationale
Chills shortly following delivery can be a normal response to the body’s adjustment after childbirth and do not necessarily indicate a complication.
Choice C rationale
Urinary output of 3,000 mL/12 hr is high but can be a normal part of postpartum diuresis as the body eliminates excess fluid accumulated during pregnancy.
Choice D rationale
The fundus at the umbilicus level is a normal finding in the immediate postpartum period and does not indicate a complication.