ATI RN
Complication Postpartum Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client, 2 days postpartum from a spontaneous vaginal delivery, asks the nurse about postpartum exercises. Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D) You can do some Kegel exercises today and then slowly increase your toning exercises over the next few weeks. This response is appropriate because Kegel exercises help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which can aid in postpartum recovery. Starting with Kegel exercises is safe and beneficial for postpartum women. Slowly increasing toning exercises over time is important to prevent injury and allow the body to heal properly. Option A is incorrect because waiting until the postpartum checkup may delay the initiation of beneficial exercises. Option B is not ideal as it restricts all exercises except Kegels, limiting the client's ability to gradually regain strength. Option C is incorrect as it suggests returning to the pre-pregnancy exercise schedule too soon, which can be harmful and may not align with the client's current physical capabilities. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses to provide evidence-based recommendations to postpartum clients regarding exercise. Understanding the physiological changes postpartum and tailoring exercise recommendations to promote recovery and prevent complications is essential for promoting maternal well-being. Teaching clients safe and effective postpartum exercises empowers them to take an active role in their recovery process.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse informs a postpartum woman that which of the following is the reason ibuprofen (Advil) is especially effective for afterbirth pains?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In pharmacology, understanding the mechanism of action of medications is crucial for safe and effective administration. In the context of postpartum afterbirth pains, ibuprofen (Advil) is especially effective due to its antiprostaglandin effect. Prostaglandins are lipid compounds that play a key role in inflammation and pain. Ibuprofen works by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), which decreases the production of prostaglandins, thereby reducing pain and inflammation. Option A is incorrect because the frequency of administration alone does not explain the effectiveness of ibuprofen in managing afterbirth pains. Option C is incorrect as it pertains to the route of administration, which is not directly related to ibuprofen's effectiveness in this context. Option D is incorrect because administering ibuprofen in high doses does not explain its specific mechanism of action in alleviating afterbirth pains. By understanding the pharmacological principles behind ibuprofen's antiprostaglandin effect, nurses can provide evidence-based care to postpartum women experiencing afterbirth pains. It is essential for healthcare professionals to have a solid grasp of pharmacology to ensure safe medication administration and optimal patient outcomes.
Question 3 of 5
On admission to the labor and delivery unit, a client 's hemoglobin (Hgb) was assessed at 11.0 g/dL, and her hematocrit (Hct) at 33%. Which of the following values would the nurse expect to see 2 days after a normal spontaneous vaginal delivery?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the postpartum period, it is common for hemoglobin (Hgb) and hematocrit (Hct) levels to decrease due to the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy and delivery. The correct answer, option C, Hgb 10.5 g/dL; Hct 31%, reflects this normal postpartum decrease in Hgb and Hct levels. Option A, Hgb 12.5 g/dL; Hct 37%, is incorrect as it indicates an increase in Hgb and Hct levels, which would not be expected after a normal delivery. Option B, Hgb 11.0 g/dL; Hct 33%, represents the initial values and would not show a significant change 2 days post-delivery. Option D, Hgb 9.0 g/dL; Hct 27%, suggests a further decrease in Hgb and Hct levels, which would be a cause for concern postpartum. Educationally, understanding the expected changes in Hgb and Hct levels postpartum is crucial for nurses and healthcare providers to monitor and manage maternal health effectively. This knowledge helps in identifying and addressing any abnormal trends promptly to prevent complications such as postpartum hemorrhage.
Question 4 of 5
Immediately after delivery, a woman is shaking uncontrollably. Which of the following nursing actions is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the most appropriate nursing action is to provide the woman with warm blankets (Option A). The woman's uncontrollable shaking is likely due to postpartum shivering, which is a common physiological response to the body's readjustment after delivery. Providing warm blankets helps to increase the woman's comfort and can help alleviate the shivering. Option B, putting the woman in the Trendelenburg position, is not appropriate in this situation as it involves positioning the patient with the head lower than the rest of the body, which is not indicated for postpartum shivering. Option C, notifying the primary health care provider, is not necessary at this point as postpartum shivering is a normal occurrence and does not typically require immediate medical intervention. Option D, increasing the intravenous infusion, is also not indicated as the woman's shaking is not likely related to dehydration or inadequate fluid intake. Educationally, it is important for healthcare providers to understand the common physiological changes that occur postpartum and how to appropriately address them to ensure the well-being and comfort of the mother. Providing warm blankets in this situation is a simple yet effective intervention based on the understanding of postpartum shivering.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is developing a plan of care for the postpartum client during the 'taking in ' phase. Which of the following should the nurse include in the plan?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the postpartum period, the 'taking in' phase is characterized by the mother's focus on her own needs and experiences related to labor and birth. Therefore, the correct answer is B) Discuss the labor and birth with the mother. This is important as it allows the mother to process and understand her birthing experience, which can aid in emotional recovery and adjustment to motherhood. Option A) Teach baby-care skills like diapering is incorrect as it focuses on the baby's care, which is not the priority during the 'taking in' phase when the mother needs to focus on herself. Option C) Discuss contraceptive choices with the mother is also incorrect during this phase as it pertains more to future family planning and is not immediately relevant to the mother's current emotional and physical recovery. Option D) Teach breastfeeding skills like pumping is not the most appropriate choice during the 'taking in' phase, as the mother may not be emotionally ready to focus on breastfeeding techniques and may need more time to process her birth experience first. Understanding the different postpartum phases and their corresponding needs is crucial for nurses to provide individualized care that supports the mother's physical and emotional well-being during this critical period of transition to motherhood.