ATI RN
Postpartum Hormonal Changes Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client who received a spinal for her cesarean delivery is complaining of pruritus and has a macular rash on her face and arms. Which of the following medications ordered by the anesthesiologist should the nurse administer at this time?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) Benadryl (diphenhydramine). The client's symptoms of pruritus and macular rash are indicative of an allergic reaction, which is a common side effect of spinal anesthesia. Benadryl is an antihistamine that can help alleviate these symptoms by blocking the histamine response responsible for the itching and rash. Option A) Reglan (metoclopramide) is used to treat nausea and vomiting, which are not the primary symptoms presented by the client. Option B) Zofran (ondansetron) is also used for nausea and vomiting, not pruritus or rash. Option C) Compazine (prochlorperazine) is an antiemetic used for nausea and vomiting, not allergic reactions like pruritus and rash. In an educational context, understanding the side effects and appropriate interventions for common medications used in the postpartum period is crucial for nurses caring for maternal clients. Recognizing and managing allergic reactions promptly is essential to ensure the well-being and comfort of the client. Diphenhydramine is a commonly used antihistamine in such situations, making it a valuable medication to have knowledge about in the postpartum setting.
Question 2 of 5
A client just delivered the placenta pictured below. The nurse will document that the woman delivered which of following placentas?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the context of postpartum hormonal changes, understanding different types of placentas and their implications is crucial for providing optimal care to postpartum clients. In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Succenturiate placenta. The succenturiate placenta is characterized by accessory lobes connected to the main placental mass by blood vessels. This condition can lead to complications such as retained placental tissue, postpartum hemorrhage, and increased risk of placental abnormalities in future pregnancies. Therefore, it is important for the nurse to accurately identify and document this type of placenta for appropriate monitoring and management. Now, let's discuss why the other options are incorrect: A) Circumvallate placenta: This refers to a placenta with a thickened ring-like edge, which can also lead to complications but is not depicted in the image provided. C) Placenta with velamentous cord insertion: This refers to a condition where the umbilical cord inserts into the fetal membranes before reaching the placenta, which is not the case in the image. D) Battledore placenta: This refers to a condition where the umbilical cord inserts at the edge of the placenta, resembling a tennis racket handle, which is not depicted in the image. Educationally, this question reinforces the importance of visual recognition and accurate documentation of placental variations to guide postpartum care. It highlights the significance of understanding placental anatomy in assessing postpartum risks and complications, thereby enhancing the nurse's ability to provide safe and effective care to postpartum clients.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following comments suggest that a client whose baby was born with a congenital defect is in the bargaining phase of grief?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B) "I'll take him to a specialist. Then he will get better." This statement suggests that the client is in the bargaining phase of grief where they are trying to negotiate or make deals to reverse the situation. This response shows a sense of hope and a belief that seeking medical help will lead to improvement in the baby's condition. Option A) "I hate myself. I caused my baby to be sick" indicates guilt and self-blame, which align more with the guilt phase of grief. Option C) "I can't seem to stop crying" suggests overwhelming sadness, which is characteristic of the depression phase of grief. Option D) "This can't be happening" reflects denial, which is common in the initial stages of grief. In an educational context, understanding the stages of grief can help healthcare providers support clients experiencing loss or challenging situations. Recognizing these stages can guide effective communication and provide appropriate emotional support to clients during the postpartum period. It is crucial for healthcare professionals to be aware of these emotional responses and be prepared to offer empathy, understanding, and resources to help clients navigate through their grief process.
Question 4 of 5
A client is receiving IV heparin for deep vein thrombosis. Which of the following medications should the nurse obtain from the pharmacy to have on hand in case of heparin overdose?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the context of managing heparin overdose, the correct medication to have on hand is B) Protamine. Protamine is a specific antidote for heparin and works by binding to heparin to form a stable complex, neutralizing its anticoagulant effects. This action helps to reverse the anticoagulant activity of heparin, making it crucial in cases of heparin overdose to prevent excessive bleeding. Option A) Vitamin K is used to reverse the effects of warfarin, a different type of anticoagulant, not heparin. Option C) Vitamin E has no direct role in reversing heparin overdose. Option D) Mannitol is a diuretic used to reduce intracranial pressure or treat oliguric renal failure; it is not indicated for heparin overdose. In an educational context, understanding the antidotes for common medications is vital for nurses to provide safe and effective care. Knowing the specific antidotes for medications like heparin can help nurses act promptly in emergency situations, ensuring the best outcomes for their patients. Protamine administration requires precise dosing and monitoring due to the risk of adverse reactions, emphasizing the importance of accurate medication administration and vigilant patient assessment.
Question 5 of 5
A client is to receive a blood transfusion after significant blood loss following a placenta previa delivery. Which of the following actions by the nurse is critical prior to starting the infusion? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct action by the nurse before starting the blood transfusion is to check the client's arm bracelet (Option B). This is critical because the arm bracelet typically contains the client's unique identification information, including their name and a specific patient identification number. Verifying this information ensures that the blood transfusion is given to the correct patient, reducing the risk of a potentially life-threatening transfusion reaction due to mismatched blood. Checking the client's blood type in the chart (Option A) is important for identifying the compatibility of the blood to be transfused but is not as immediately critical as verifying the patient's identity. Checking the blood type on the infusion bag (Option C) is also important but does not address the immediate need to confirm the patient's identity. Obtaining an infusion bag of dextrose and water (Option D) is incorrect as it does not pertain to the process of ensuring the safety and accuracy of the blood transfusion. In an educational context, emphasizing the importance of patient identification and verification procedures before any invasive or high-risk procedure is crucial in nursing practice. This ensures patient safety, prevents medical errors, and upholds the standards of care and professional responsibility in healthcare settings. Nurses must always follow proper protocols to verify patient identity and match it with the intended treatment or intervention to prevent adverse events and promote positive patient outcomes.