ATI RN
Complication Postpartum Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is assessing the fundus of a client during the immediate postpartum period. Which of the following actions indicates that the nurse is performing the skill correctly?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In postpartum care, assessing the fundus correctly is crucial to monitor uterine involution and prevent complications. Option B, where the nurse stabilizes the base of the uterus with the dependent hand, is the correct action. This technique helps accurately locate and evaluate the fundus, ensuring proper contraction and preventing excessive bleeding. Option A is incorrect because measuring fundal height with a paper centimeter tape is not the primary method of fundal assessment. Option C is incorrect as palpating the fundus with the fingertips alone may not provide enough support to accurately assess uterine tone. Option D is incorrect as a sterile vaginal exam is not necessary for fundal assessment and should not precede it in routine postpartum care. Educationally, understanding the correct technique for fundal assessment is essential for nurses caring for postpartum clients. Proper fundal assessment can help identify early signs of postpartum hemorrhage or other complications, allowing for timely intervention and improved patient outcomes.
Question 2 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 3 of 5
The nurse palpates a distended bladder on a woman who delivered vaginally 2 hours earlier. The woman refuses to go to the bathroom, 'I really don 't need to go. ' Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, option B is the most appropriate response by the nurse. The nurse should encourage the woman to try to urinate despite her refusal, as a distended bladder postpartum can lead to complications such as urinary retention, which can further lead to bladder distention, UTIs, or even damage to the bladder. Encouraging the woman to try to urinate helps prevent these complications and promotes her overall well-being. Option A is incorrect as it dismisses the nurse's findings of a distended bladder and does not address the issue at hand. Option C is incorrect as it assumes numbness from local anesthesia, which is not relevant to the situation described. Option D is incorrect because catheterization should be a last resort and should only be done if the woman is unable to void on her own after other interventions have been attempted. From an educational standpoint, this scenario highlights the importance of assessing and addressing postpartum complications promptly to prevent further issues. It also emphasizes the role of the nurse in advocating for the patient's health and well-being, even in situations where the patient may be hesitant or resistant. Encouraging open communication and providing appropriate care are vital aspects of nursing practice in postpartum care.
Question 4 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 5 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.