ATI RN
Postpartum Hormonal Changes Questions
Question 1 of 5
A postpartum woman has been diagnosed with postpartum psychosis. Which of the following signs/symptoms would the client exhibit?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the context of postpartum psychosis, the correct answer is A) Hallucinations. Postpartum psychosis is a severe mental health condition that can occur in some women following childbirth. Hallucinations, which involve perceiving things that are not actually present, are a common symptom of postpartum psychosis. These hallucinations can be auditory, visual, or tactile in nature and can significantly impact the woman's perception of reality. The incorrect options are B) Polyphagia, C) Induced vomiting, and D) Weepy sadness. Polyphagia refers to excessive hunger, which is not typically associated with postpartum psychosis. Induced vomiting is not a characteristic symptom of postpartum psychosis and is more commonly seen in eating disorders. Weepy sadness, while a common symptom of postpartum depression, is not specific to postpartum psychosis, which involves more severe symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. Educationally, it is crucial for healthcare providers and caregivers to recognize the signs and symptoms of postpartum psychosis to ensure early intervention and appropriate treatment. Understanding the distinguishing features of postpartum psychosis, such as hallucinations, can help in prompt identification and referral for specialized mental health support for the affected woman. This knowledge is essential for providing comprehensive care and support to women experiencing postpartum mental health challenges.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client, PP2, who is preparing to go home with her infant. The nurse notes that the client's blood type is O− (negative), the baby's type is A+ (positive), and the direct Coombs' test is negative. Which of the following actions by the nurse is appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Make sure that the client receives a RhoGAM injection before she is discharged from the hospital. In the context of postpartum care, when a mother is Rh-negative and the baby is Rh-positive, there is a risk of Rh incompatibility. If fetal blood enters the maternal circulation during childbirth, the mother's immune system can mount an immune response against the Rh-positive blood cells, leading to potential issues in subsequent pregnancies. RhoGAM is administered to Rh-negative mothers to prevent this immune response. It works by binding to any fetal Rh-positive cells in the mother's bloodstream, preventing her immune system from reacting to them. Administering RhoGAM within 72 hours postpartum is crucial to prevent sensitization in future pregnancies. The other options are incorrect because: A) Waiting until the end of the week for the RhoGAM injection is too late to be effective. C) The baby's negative Coombs' test does not negate the need for the mother to receive RhoGAM. D) Discharge timing should not delay the administration of RhoGAM, as it is time-sensitive. Understanding the rationale behind the administration of RhoGAM in Rh-negative mothers is essential for nurses to provide safe and effective care to postpartum clients and their infants. It highlights the importance of timely interventions to prevent complications in future pregnancies due to Rh incompatibility.
Question 3 of 5
The physician declares after delivering the placenta of a client during a cesarean section that it appears that the client has a placenta accreta. Which of the following maternal complications would be consistent with this diagnosis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the scenario described, the correct answer is A) Blood loss of 2,000 mL. Placenta accreta is a condition where the placenta attaches too deeply into the uterine wall. During delivery, separating the placenta can lead to severe bleeding as the placenta cannot detach properly. This can result in significant blood loss, which is a common complication associated with placenta accreta. Option B) Blood pressure of 160/110 is not directly related to placenta accreta but could indicate hypertension, which is a different condition. Option C) Jaundiced skin color is not typically associated with placenta accreta. Jaundice usually occurs due to liver or bile duct issues, not directly related to placental attachment abnormalities. Option D) Shortened prothrombin time is not a common complication of placenta accreta. Prothrombin time measures how long it takes for blood to clot, and in placenta accreta, the main concern is excessive bleeding rather than clotting abnormalities. Understanding the maternal complications of placenta accreta is crucial for healthcare providers managing postpartum care. Recognizing the signs and symptoms can aid in prompt diagnosis and appropriate management to prevent severe maternal outcomes. It is essential for healthcare professionals to be well-versed in these complications to ensure the best possible care for their patients during the postpartum period.
Question 4 of 5
A serum electrolyte report for a client, 1 day post-cesarean delivery for eclampsia, has just been received by the nurse. The client is receiving 5% dextrose in 1/2 normal saline IV at 125 mL/hr and magnesium sulfate 2 G/hr IV via infusion pump. Which of the following values should the nurse report to the surgeon?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should report the magnesium level of 7 mg/dL to the surgeon. Postpartum eclampsia is a condition characterized by seizures and is treated with magnesium sulfate to prevent further seizures. Monitoring magnesium levels is crucial due to its narrow therapeutic range, and levels above 7-8 mg/dL can lead to magnesium toxicity, causing respiratory depression and cardiac arrest. The other options are incorrect because: - Option B, Sodium 136 mg/dL, is within the normal range. - Option C, Potassium 3.0 mg/dL, is slightly low but not critical in this context. - Option D, Calcium 9 mg/dL, is also within the normal range. Educationally, this case highlights the importance of monitoring electrolyte levels, especially magnesium, in postpartum eclampsia patients receiving magnesium sulfate therapy. Nurses should understand the significance of each electrolyte in relation to the patient's condition and treatment to provide safe and effective care. Regular monitoring and prompt reporting of abnormal values are essential in preventing complications and ensuring optimal patient outcomes.
Question 5 of 5
A postpartum client has been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis. For which of the following additional complications is this client high risk?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the postpartum period, especially in the presence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), the client is at high risk for a stroke. This is because DVT can lead to the formation of blood clots that can travel to the brain, causing a stroke. Option A, hemorrhage, is less likely as DVT is associated with clot formation rather than excessive bleeding. Option C, endometritis, is more commonly associated with postpartum infections rather than DVT. Option D, hematoma, is a localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels and is not directly related to the complications of DVT. Educationally, understanding these postpartum hormonal changes and associated risks is crucial for healthcare providers to provide appropriate care and interventions to prevent serious complications like stroke in postpartum clients with DVT. It highlights the importance of thorough assessment, monitoring, and early intervention in managing postpartum complications.