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.
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 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 A
Explanation
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.