While you are taking Monique's vital signs and performing a postpartum assessment 4 hours after delivery, she tells you she is feeling lightheaded. She has a history of chronic hypertension and obesity.
Her vital signs are blood pressure 85/57 mm Hg, pulse 132, respirations 28, oxygen saturation 94%. Her uterus is boggy at midline, 1 cm above the umbilicus.
What would be your next steps and anticipated orders?
Massage her fundus until firm and ensure IV access.
Orders for methylergonovine (Methergine) 0.2 mg IM and an oxytocin bolus.
Orders for carboprost tromethamine (Hemabate) 250 mcg IM. .
Orders for carboprost tromethamine (Hemabate) 250 mcg IM. .
Correct Answer : A,B,C
Choice A rationale
Massaging the fundus helps to stimulate uterine contractions, reducing bleeding and promoting firmness in the uterus. Ensuring IV access is critical for administering medications and
fluids quickly.
Choice B rationale
Methylergonovine (Methergine) is used to prevent and control postpartum hemorrhage by promoting uterine contractions. Oxytocin bolus also helps stimulate contractions, preventing
further blood loss.
Choice C rationale
Carboprost tromethamine (Hemabate) is another uterotonic agent used to control severe postpartum hemorrhage by causing uterine contractions. Its use depends on the patient's
response to other treatments.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Retained tissue can cause postpartum hemorrhage, but with a firm uterus and no other signs of retained placenta, this is less likely the cause here.
Choice B rationale
Trauma is the most likely cause of increased bleeding in this scenario. The prolonged oxytocin induction and macrosomic infant suggest a higher risk of lacerations or uterine atony
despite the firm uterus.
Choice C rationale
Thrombin disorders cause bleeding due to clotting issues. However, this patient shows signs of active bleeding and clotting, making this less likely.
Choice D rationale
Uterine atony, indicated by a soft, boggy uterus, is a common cause of postpartum hemorrhage, but in this case, the uterus is firm, so it's less likely to be the cause.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Checking the blood sugar of a gestational diabetic is essential but not immediately life-threatening. Blood sugar levels should be monitored regularly throughout pregnancy for
diabetics to prevent complications. However, this does not represent an urgent priority when compared to the other options, which involve more immediate risks to life and health.
Choice B rationale
Assessing vaginal blood loss in a client recovering from a spontaneous abortion is crucial to monitor for hemorrhage or infection. Heavy bleeding could signal a serious complication
needing immediate intervention, though it is not the most immediate priority over monitoring fetal heart rate during active labor.
Choice C rationale
Monitoring the patellar reflexes of a client with pre-eclampsia without severe features can help in detecting early signs of progressing pre-eclampsia. While important, it is generally
not as critical as ensuring immediate fetal wellbeing, especially if reflexes do not present signs of worsening.
Choice D rationale
Checking the fetal heart rate in a client whose membranes have just ruptured is paramount. Rupture of membranes could lead to immediate complications such as umbilical cord
prolapse, leading to rapid fetal distress. Therefore, verifying fetal heart rate ensures that the fetus is not in immediate danger.