ATI RN
Complications of Postpartum Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 1-day postpartum woman states, 'I think I have a urinary tract infection. I have to go to the bathroom all the time. ' Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C) Assess the urine for cloudiness. This action is appropriate because cloudiness in the urine can indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI) postpartum. UTIs are common during the postpartum period due to factors like bladder distention, catheter use during labor, and hormonal changes. Cloudy urine may suggest the presence of bacteria, white blood cells, or other signs of infection. By assessing the urine for cloudiness, the nurse can gather important information to help confirm the presence of a UTI and guide further diagnostic and treatment interventions. Option A is incorrect because frequent urination alone is not a normal postpartum symptom and could be indicative of a UTI. Option B, obtaining an order for a urine culture, is a valid step in diagnosing a UTI but may not be the most immediate action needed in this scenario. Option D, asking if the woman is prone to UTIs, does not address the immediate need to assess the current symptoms and could delay necessary interventions. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses to understand the common complications that can arise during the postpartum period, such as UTIs, and to recognize the signs and symptoms that may indicate their presence. Proper assessment and timely intervention are essential in promoting the health and well-being of postpartum women.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is examining a 2-day-postpartum client whose fundus is 2 cm below the umbilicus and whose bright red lochia saturates about 4 inches of a pad in 1 hour. What should the nurse document in the nursing record?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Normal involution, lochia rubra moderate. The fundus being 2 cm below the umbilicus on the 2nd postpartum day indicates appropriate involution. The bright red lochia saturating 4 inches of a pad in 1 hour is within the expected range for lochia rubra at this stage postpartum. Option A is incorrect because the involution is actually normal, not abnormal, and the amount of lochia is heavy, not moderate. Option B is incorrect as the involution is normal, not abnormal, and the type of lochia is rubra, not serosa. Option D is incorrect as the involution is normal, not abnormal, and the type of lochia is rubra, not serosa. Educationally, understanding the expected changes in postpartum assessments is crucial for nurses to provide appropriate care and identify potential complications. This question highlights the importance of recognizing normal postpartum findings versus abnormal ones, which can guide interventions and prevent adverse outcomes for the mother.
Question 3 of 5
A client, G1 P0101, postpartum 1 day, is assessed. The nurse notes that the client 's lochia rubra is moderate and her fundus is boggy 2 cm above the umbilicus and deviated to the right. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct action for the nurse to take first is option B: Massage the woman's fundus. A boggy fundus located 2 cm above the umbilicus and deviated to the right indicates uterine atony, a common cause of postpartum hemorrhage. By massaging the fundus, the nurse can help the uterus contract, which will reduce bleeding and prevent further complications. Option A: Notifying the woman's primary health care provider is important but not the first action to take in this situation. Immediate intervention by the nurse is crucial before informing the provider. Option C: Escorting the woman to the bathroom to urinate is not the priority in this case. While a full bladder can contribute to uterine atony, addressing the fundal massage should take precedence. Option D: Checking the quantity of lochia on the peripad is important for ongoing assessment but is not the first action to address the immediate issue of uterine atony and potential postpartum hemorrhage. Educationally, this scenario highlights the critical importance of prompt recognition and intervention in postpartum complications. Nurses must be able to prioritize actions based on assessment findings to provide timely and effective care to postpartum clients, ensuring optimal outcomes for both the mother and baby.
Question 4 of 5
A physician has ordered an iron supplement for a postpartum woman. The nurse strongly suggests that the woman take the medicine with which of the following drinks?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the context of pharmacology, the correct answer is C) Orange juice. The rationale behind this is that Vitamin C, found in orange juice, enhances the absorption of iron supplements. Iron is better absorbed in an acidic environment, and Vitamin C helps in converting the iron into a more absorbable form. Therefore, taking iron with orange juice can optimize its absorption and effectiveness in treating iron deficiency postpartum. The other options are not ideal choices for taking iron supplements. Skim milk (option A) contains calcium, which can interfere with the absorption of iron. Ginger ale (option B) and chamomile tea (option D) do not have any components that enhance iron absorption and may not be as effective as orange juice in facilitating iron uptake. Educationally, understanding the importance of proper administration of medications, especially in specific populations like postpartum women, is crucial for healthcare providers. This knowledge helps in ensuring the effectiveness of treatments and promoting optimal patient outcomes. By knowing which drinks or foods can enhance or hinder drug absorption, nurses can provide valuable information to patients to support their recovery process.
Question 5 of 5
Which of the following is the priority nursing action during the immediate postpartum period?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the immediate postpartum period, the priority nursing action is to palpate the fundus. This is because assessing the fundus helps to determine if it is firm or boggy, which is crucial in identifying and preventing postpartum hemorrhage, a potentially life-threatening complication. By palpating the fundus, the nurse can ensure that it is contracting effectively to control bleeding from the placental site. Checking pain level, performing pericare, and assessing breasts are important aspects of postpartum care, but they are not the priority during the immediate postpartum period. Pain management is important for patient comfort and well-being, pericare helps prevent infection and promotes hygiene, and assessing breasts is necessary for breastfeeding support. However, addressing these issues can wait momentarily while ensuring the fundus is properly contracting to prevent excessive bleeding. In an educational context, understanding the priority nursing actions in the postpartum period is crucial for providing safe and effective care to postpartum women. Emphasizing the significance of fundal assessment in preventing complications like postpartum hemorrhage can help students prioritize care appropriately and respond promptly to potential emergencies. By focusing on the rationale behind the priority action, students can develop critical thinking skills and clinical judgment in managing postpartum complications.