A nurse is caring for a client who had a vaginal delivery 2 hr ago and is reporting increasing perineal pain and pressure. The nurse examines the client's perineum and sees a 4 cm (1.6 in) area of purplish discoloration with swelling. The nurse should interpret these findings as which of the following?
A hematoma.
Retained placental fragments.
A laceration.
Ecchymosis.
Ecchymosis.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
A hematoma presents as a localized collection of blood outside the blood vessels, causing a purplish discoloration and swelling, often resulting from trauma during delivery.
Choice B rationale
Retained placental fragments may cause postpartum hemorrhage and infection but would not present as a localized purplish swelling on the perineum.
Choice C rationale
A laceration would involve a tear in the tissue, causing bleeding and pain, but not necessarily a purplish discoloration with localized swelling unless associated with a hematoma.
Choice D rationale
Ecchymosis refers to bruising but is typically a more diffuse discoloration rather than a localized swelling and purplish area as seen with a hematoma.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Meconium stools are common in newborns and not a concern in the context of weight loss.
Choice B rationale
Depressed fontanels can indicate dehydration in a newborn, which is critical, especially with significant weight loss.
Choice C rationale
Rust-stained urine is often due to urate crystals and is typical in newborns, not specifically alarming.
Choice D rationale
Overlapping suture lines can be a normal finding in a newborn's head and not indicative of an acute problem relating to weight loss.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
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Preterm Labor Risk: At 32 weeks of gestation, regular contractions every 5 minutes could indicate the onset of preterm labor. This is concerning because preterm labor can lead to preterm birth, which poses significant risks to the baby's health and development.
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Frequency and Intensity: These contractions are occurring frequently (every 5 minutes) and are described as stronger than usual Braxton Hicks contractions. This frequency and the strength of the contractions are unusual for Braxton Hicks, which are typically irregular and less intense.
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Effacement and Cervical Changes: Although the cervix is closed, it is 80% effaced. Effacement means the cervix is thinning, which, in combination with regular contractions, may indicate that the body is preparing for labor.
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Urinary Leakage: The client also reported urinary leakage earlier in the day, which could be a sign of ruptured membranes (water breaking). This, combined with regular contractions, increases the need for careful monitoring.