A nurse is assessing a 1-day-postpartum woman who had her baby by cesarean section. Which of the following should the nurse report to the surgeon?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) Pad saturation every 30 minutes. This finding indicates excessive postpartum bleeding, which is a critical complication that requires immediate attention. Post-cesarean section, monitoring for hemorrhage is crucial due to the risk of uterine atony or other causes of bleeding. Excessive bleeding can lead to hypovolemic shock and even be life-threatening for the mother. Option A) Fundus at the umbilicus is a normal finding in the immediate postpartum period. The fundus should be firm and midline to promote uterine involution. Nodular breasts (Option B) are also a normal postpartum finding related to milk production. A pulse rate of 60 bpm (Option C) is within the normal range for a postpartum woman and does not raise immediate concerns. Educationally, understanding the significance of postpartum complications and the importance of timely assessment and reporting is crucial for nurses caring for postpartum women. Recognizing abnormal findings and knowing when to escalate care is essential in preventing adverse outcomes for both the mother and the newborn. Regular education and training on postpartum complications and assessment skills are necessary for healthcare providers to deliver safe and effective care to postpartum women.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct action by the nurse is option D: Assist the woman to the bathroom. This is the appropriate choice because the woman is 1 hour postpartum and needs to urinate, which is a common physiological response after delivery. Assisting her to the bathroom promotes her comfort, mobility, and independence in meeting her basic needs. Option A is incorrect because using a bedpan may not be necessary if the woman is able to ambulate and use the bathroom. Option B is incorrect as it dismisses the woman's need to urinate as a normal postpartum occurrence. Option C is incorrect as it provides inaccurate information; if the woman had a catheter in place, it would have been mentioned in the scenario. Educationally, it is essential for nurses to understand the normal postpartum physiological changes and provide appropriate care and support to women during this critical period. Assisting women with postpartum care helps promote their physical and emotional well-being, aiding in the transition to motherhood.

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.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct response, option D, is appropriate because it prioritizes patient safety and follows the standard protocol in managing postpartum complications. In this scenario, the woman's presentation of saturating 2 pads in 1 hour could indicate excessive postpartum bleeding, which is a concerning sign of a potential complication like postpartum hemorrhage. Therefore, advising the woman to be examined by a healthcare provider promptly is crucial to assess the severity of the situation and provide necessary interventions to prevent any adverse outcomes. Option A is incorrect as it minimizes the woman's symptoms and fails to address the potential seriousness of the situation. Option B is also incorrect as it wrongly attributes the bleeding to the return of the woman's period, which could delay appropriate medical attention. Option C is incorrect because it downplays the significance of the heavy bleeding, potentially leading to delayed diagnosis and management of a possible complication. In an educational context, it is important for healthcare providers to be able to recognize signs of postpartum complications, such as excessive bleeding, and respond promptly and appropriately to ensure the well-being of the mother. Teaching about postpartum care should include the importance of monitoring for warning signs, seeking timely medical attention, and the potential risks associated with postpartum complications. This case highlights the critical role of healthcare professionals in managing postpartum complications effectively.

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.