A nurse on the postpartum unit is caring for a client who delivered vaginally 3 hr ago. Which of the following manifestations is a possible indication of postpartum hemorrhage?
Apical pulse 66/min.
Temperature 38.3 C (101° F).
Blood pressure 156/80 mm Hg.
Respiratory rate 32/min.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
An apical pulse of 66/min is within the normal range and not indicative of postpartum hemorrhage, which would typically cause an elevated heart rate due to blood loss.
Choice B rationale
A temperature of 38.3°C (101°F) could indicate infection or inflammation but is not a direct sign of postpartum hemorrhage, which primarily involves significant blood loss.
Choice C rationale
Blood pressure of 156/80 mm Hg is elevated but not directly indicative of postpartum hemorrhage, which would typically result in a drop in blood pressure due to loss of blood volume.
Choice D rationale
A respiratory rate of 32/min is significantly elevated and can be a compensatory response to hypovolemia from postpartum hemorrhage. This response occurs as the body tries to increase oxygen delivery due to blood loss.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Testing for GBS at around 36 weeks of gestation is standard practice to identify carriers and prevent neonatal GBS infections through intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis if necessary.
Choice B rationale
Cesarean birth is not indicated solely based on a positive GBS status. The primary intervention is intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis to reduce the risk of neonatal infection.
Choice C rationale
Routine antibiotic administration during the last weeks of pregnancy is not standard practice; antibiotics are given during labor if GBS is present to prevent transmission to the baby.
Choice D rationale
GBS infection does not cause hearing loss in newborns. The primary concern is neonatal sepsis, pneumonia, or meningitis, not hearing loss.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio does not indicate genetic disorders; it's used to assess fetal lung maturity.
Choice B rationale
The test does not determine placental function. It specifically evaluates fetal lung maturity through the ratio of lecithin to sphingomyelin in amniotic fluid.
Choice C rationale
The test is not used to assess the risk of Rh incompatibility. The L/S ratio focuses on lung development rather than blood compatibility issues.
Choice D rationale
The L/S ratio assesses the baby's lung maturity, indicating if the lungs produce enough surfactant for proper function after birth.