ATI RN
Complications of Postpartum Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client who is 3 days postpartum asks the nurse, 'When may my husband and I begin having sexual relations again? ' The nurse should encourage the couple to wait until after which of the following has occurred?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) The client has had her six-week postpartum checkup. This option is correct because it aligns with the standard medical recommendation for resuming sexual activity after childbirth. The six-week postpartum visit allows healthcare providers to assess the woman's physical recovery, check for any complications, and provide guidance on postpartum care, including when it is safe to resume sexual activity. Option B) The episiotomy has healed and the lochia has stopped focuses only on physical healing, but it may not encompass all aspects of postpartum recovery necessary for safe sexual activity. Option C) The lochia turning pink and the vagina no longer being tender are important signs of healing, but they do not necessarily indicate that the body is fully ready for sexual intercourse. Option D) The client having her first postpartum menstrual period is not a reliable indicator of readiness for sexual activity as menstruation can return at different times for each individual and does not signify complete postpartum recovery. Educationally, it is crucial for healthcare providers to educate postpartum clients and their partners on the importance of waiting until the six-week postpartum checkup before resuming sexual activity. This ensures the woman's physical healing, reduces the risk of complications, and promotes overall well-being. Teaching accurate information empowers individuals to make informed decisions regarding their sexual health and postpartum recovery.
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following laboratory values would the nurse expect to see in a normal postpartum woman?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the postpartum period, it is common for women to experience physiological changes that can impact laboratory values. The correct answer is B) White blood cell count, 16,000 cells/mm3. This elevated white blood cell count is a normal response to the stress of labor and delivery, as the body prepares to combat potential infections. Option A) Hematocrit of 39% is not specific to the postpartum period and may vary depending on individual factors like hydration status. Option C) Red blood cell count of 5 million cells/mm3 is not a typical lab value in the postpartum period. While some increase in red blood cells is expected due to the body replenishing stores after childbirth, this value is unusually high. Option D) Hemoglobin of 15 grams/dL is within the normal range for non-pregnant women, but postpartum women typically have a lower hemoglobin level due to blood loss during delivery. Educationally, understanding the normal changes in laboratory values postpartum is crucial for nurses to assess and provide appropriate care to women during this period. Monitoring these values helps in early identification of complications such as infection or hemorrhage, ensuring timely interventions and optimal postpartum recovery.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is evaluating the involution of a woman who is 3 days postpartum. Which of the following findings would the nurse evaluate as normal?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In postpartum care, evaluating the involution of the uterus is crucial to monitor the woman's recovery. Three days postpartum, the fundus should be around 2 cm below the umbilicus, as indicated by option C, with lochia rubra being the expected discharge color at this stage. This finding suggests that the uterus is contracting effectively to return to its pre-pregnancy size. Option A is incorrect because the fundus should be descending rather than ascending, and lochia rosa is not the expected color at this point. Option B is incorrect as the fundus should be lower, and lochia alba is not seen until later in the postpartum period. Option D is incorrect because the fundus being 3 cm below the umbilicus is beyond the expected level of involution at this stage, and lochia serosa is also not the typical discharge for day 3 postpartum. Understanding these normal postpartum findings is essential for nurses to provide appropriate care, identify deviations from the expected progression, and intervene promptly if needed to prevent complications. This knowledge ensures optimal recovery and well-being for postpartum women.
Question 4 of 5
The day after delivery, a woman, whose fundus is firm at 1 cm below the umbilicus and who has moderate lochia, tells the nurse that something must be wrong: 'All I do is go to the bathroom. ' Which of the following is an appropriate nursing response?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the appropriate nursing response is option C: Inform the client that polyuria is normal. Postpartum diuresis, characterized by increased urinary frequency and volume, is a common physiological response to the body getting rid of excess fluid accumulated during pregnancy. It is crucial for nurses to educate postpartum women about this normal process to alleviate anxiety and provide reassurance. Option A (Catheterize the client per doctor's orders) is incorrect because catheterization is an invasive procedure that is not indicated in this situation unless there are specific medical reasons to do so. Option B (Measure the client's next voiding) is not the best response as it does not address the client's concerns or provide information about the normal postpartum experience of increased urinary frequency. Option D (Check the specific gravity of the next voiding) is unnecessary at this point as the client's symptoms can be explained by the normal postpartum diuresis, and specific gravity testing is not typically needed in this context. Educationally, understanding the normal physiological changes that occur postpartum is essential for nurses caring for postpartum women. It enables them to provide appropriate education, support, and reassurance to clients, promoting better outcomes and enhancing the overall postpartum experience.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client who had a cesarean section under spinal anesthesia less than 2 hours ago. Which of the following nursing actions is appropriate at this time?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the appropriate nursing action is to have the client turn and deep breathe every 2 hours (Option C). This is crucial post-cesarean section under spinal anesthesia to prevent complications such as atelectasis and promote optimal lung expansion, preventing respiratory issues. Option A, elevating the head of the bed 60 degrees, is incorrect as it could increase the risk of hypotension due to the decreased venous return. Reporting the absence of bowel sounds to the physician (Option B) is not a priority at this early postoperative stage. Assessing for patellar hyperreflexia bilaterally (Option D) is not relevant in this immediate postoperative period and does not address the client's current needs. Educationally, it is essential for nurses to understand the specific postoperative care requirements for clients who have undergone cesarean sections under spinal anesthesia to promote optimal recovery and prevent complications. Encouraging turning and deep breathing helps maintain respiratory function and prevent postoperative respiratory issues.