A postpartum patient calls the clinic and reports to the nurse feelings of fatigue, tearfulness, and anxiety. What is the nurse’s most appropriate response at this time?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "When did these symptoms begin?" The nurse's response should address the patient's concerns and gather more information to assess the situation accurately. By asking when the symptoms began, the nurse can determine the duration and severity of the symptoms, enabling appropriate intervention. Choice B is incorrect because assuming the symptoms are due to "normal postpartum depression" without further assessment is premature and may overlook other potential causes. Choice C focuses solely on sleep and may not address the underlying issues causing the patient's symptoms. Choice D assumes the patient's ability to provide care for the baby without first addressing the patient's emotional well-being.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because frequency, urgency, or burning on urination could indicate a urinary tract infection, a common post-cesarean complication. Reporting these symptoms promptly can prevent further complications. A, B, and C are incorrect. A mild incisional pain is normal after a cesarean birth and is expected during the healing process. Feeling of pelvic fullness may be due to postpartum changes in the body and is not necessarily concerning. Lochia changing from red to pink is a normal progression of lochia color and does not typically indicate a problem unless there are other concerning symptoms present.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: rubra. Lochia rubra is bright to dark red, typically occurring on days 1-3 postpartum. This is due to the presence of blood and decidual tissue. Serosa (B) is pinkish-brown and occurs around days 4-10, representing a mix of blood and mucus. Placental (C) is typically expelled within 30 minutes postpartum and consists of dark red blood. Alba (D) is whitish-yellow, appearing around day 10 and lasting up to 6 weeks, indicating the final stage of lochia consisting of leukocytes and decidual tissue.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: diastasis recti abdominus. This term refers to the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles along the midline of the abdomen. This condition commonly occurs after pregnancy due to the stretching of the abdominal muscles. It is important to differentiate diastasis recti from other conditions such as uterine subinvolution, which is the delayed return of the uterus to its normal size postpartum; umbilical hernia, which is a protrusion of abdominal contents through the umbilical ring; and striae, which are stretch marks caused by rapid stretching of the skin. Diastasis recti is characterized by a visible gap between the muscles, often causing a bulge in the midline of the abdomen. Treatment usually involves specific exercises to strengthen the abdominal muscles and improve the condition.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Contact the health-care provider. Unilateral edema along with a hot, red area on the leg can indicate a potential serious condition such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It is crucial to involve the healthcare provider immediately for further evaluation and treatment. Contacting the healthcare provider ensures timely diagnosis and appropriate management. Summary: B: Explaining this as a normal finding is incorrect as it could be a sign of a serious condition. C: Massaging the calf can potentially dislodge a clot in case of DVT, leading to severe complications. D: Offering pain medication without proper evaluation can mask the symptoms and delay necessary medical intervention.