A postpartum client reports severe perineal pain and difficulty passing stools following a vaginal delivery. Which nursing intervention should be implemented?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Administering a stool softener as ordered is the most appropriate nursing intervention for a postpartum client experiencing severe perineal pain and difficulty passing stools following a vaginal delivery. Stool softeners help to soften the stool, making it easier for the client to pass without straining, which can exacerbate perineal pain. It is important to follow the healthcare provider's orders when administering medications to ensure proper dosing and effectiveness. Encouraging the client to refrain from defecation may lead to constipation and worsen the situation. Applying ice packs to the perineum can provide temporary pain relief, but addressing the underlying issue of constipation with a stool softener is more effective in the long term. Providing education on proper perineal hygiene is important for overall postpartum care, but addressing the immediate issue of constipation with a stool softener takes precedence in this scenario.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Activating emergency medical services (EMS) for rapid transport to a stroke center is the most appropriate action for managing a conscious patient with a suspected stroke. Time is critical in stroke care, and receiving specialized treatment at a stroke center as soon as possible can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients. EMS providers are trained to recognize the signs of stroke and can begin essential pre-hospital care measures while en route to the hospital. Administering aspirin immediately is not recommended without medical evaluation, as certain types of strokes (such as hemorrhagic strokes) can be worsened by aspirin. Placing the patient in a supine position may not be ideal, as maintaining an elevated position can help prevent aspiration in stroke patients. Encouraging the patient to eat and drink is not appropriate, as swallowing difficulties are common in stroke patients and can lead to aspiration pneumonia.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In a postpartum client exhibiting signs of anxiety, restlessness, and palpitations, it is essential to prioritize notifying the healthcare provider immediately. These symptoms could indicate a serious condition such as postpartum preeclampsia, postpartum hemorrhage, or postpartum cardiomyopathy, which require urgent medical attention. It is crucial to rule out any life-threatening conditions and ensure the client receives appropriate treatment promptly. While relaxation techniques and deep breathing exercises can be helpful for anxiety management in some cases, in this situation, the priority is to ensure the client's safety and well-being by seeking medical evaluation and intervention. Administering a benzodiazepine without consulting the healthcare provider first could potentially mask symptoms or interact with other medications the client may be taking, making it unsafe to proceed without professional guidance.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Before any procedure, it is crucial to ensure that you have the proper authorization and guidelines in place. By checking the physician's order and the patient care plan, you confirm that suctioning is indeed needed and that you follow the specific instructions for that patient. This step helps ensure patient safety and effective care delivery. Once you have verified this information, you can proceed with gathering equipment, performing hand hygiene, and assessing the patient's condition as necessary.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A safe patient environment should address the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of the patient. While socio-economic needs are important for overall patient care, they are not directly related to creating a safe environment within a healthcare setting. Factors such as maintaining sanitation, meeting basic needs, and reducing physical hazards are crucial to ensuring the safety and well-being of patients. However, addressing socio-economic needs falls more within the realm of holistic patient care beyond just the physical safety aspect.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Providing means to evaluate services is the most appropriate measure to ensure patient satisfaction with the delivery of health services. This can be done through patient surveys, feedback forms, or other evaluation methods. By systematically collecting and analyzing feedback from patients, healthcare providers can assess the quality of their services, identify areas for improvement, and address any concerns or issues raised by patients. This proactive approach allows for continuous monitoring and improvement of the healthcare services provided, leading to enhanced patient satisfaction and overall quality of care.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is given pre-operatively to decrease intra-operative anesthetic requirements and post-operative pain. It is a common analgesic that can help reduce the amount of intra-operative anesthesia needed and provide some pain relief during the surgery. Unlike drugs like Celebrex, Ibuprofen, and Demerol, Acetaminophen does not have anti-inflammatory properties, but it is effective in managing pain and can contribute to overall pain control before, during, and after surgery. This makes it a preferred choice for pre-operative medication in order to decrease the need for higher doses of anesthetics and reduce post-operative pain levels.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The presentation described in the question is most consistent with anterior uveitis. Anterior uveitis, also known as iritis, is characterized by redness, pain, and photophobia in the affected eye. Slit-lamp examination typically reveals ciliary injection (reddening of the conjunctiva and episclera), corneal edema, and a mid-dilated pupil with a fixed reaction to light (miosis). This occurs due to inflammation within the anterior chamber of the eye involving the iris and ciliary body.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Prolonged labor is a condition in which labor lasts for an extended period, typically more than 20 hours for first-time mothers and more than 14 hours for experienced mothers. Prolonged labor can contribute to slowing down uterine involution because the prolonged pressure and strain on the uterus can affect its ability to return to its pre-pregnancy size and position. The prolonged contractions and stretching of the uterine muscles can hinder the normal process of uterine involution, leading to a delay in the uterus shrinking back to its non-pregnant state. Additionally, prolonged labor can increase the risk of postpartum complications such as excessive bleeding and infection, which can further impact uterine involution. Therefore, it is crucial for healthcare providers to monitor labor progress closely to prevent prolonged labor and its potential effects on uterine involution.