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.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Leukorrhea, a normal vaginal discharge, increases during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. It's not indicative of prenatal complications at 41 weeks of gestation.
Choice B rationale
Shortness of breath is common in late pregnancy due to the enlarged uterus pressing against the diaphragm. It is not necessarily a sign of a prenatal complication at this stage.
Choice C rationale
Non-pitting ankle edema is often seen in late pregnancy due to fluid retention and increased pressure on the veins. It is typically benign and not a sign of serious complications.
Choice D rationale
Blurred vision can indicate a serious prenatal complication such as preeclampsia, which is characterized by high blood pressure and can pose significant risks to both mother and baby if not managed properly. .
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
This statement is incorrect because after a cesarean birth, clients are usually started on clear liquids and then gradually progress to regular food as tolerated. Swallowing safety is related to anesthesia recovery, not cesarean birth recovery.
Choice B rationale
This statement is incorrect because the client does not need to stay flat on their back for 24 hours. Early ambulation is encouraged to prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis and promote recovery.
Choice C rationale
This statement is incorrect because the urinary catheter is typically removed within 24 hours after surgery to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections and encourage normal bladder function.
Choice D rationale
This statement is correct because after a cesarean birth, the nurse will frequently assess the uterus for firmness and massage it as needed to prevent postpartum hemorrhage.