A pregnant patient asks when the dark line on her abdomen (linea nigra) will go away. The nurse knows the pigmentation will fade after birth due to

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Melanocyte-stimulating hormone increases during pregnancy and is responsible for changes in skin pigmentation; the amount decreases after birth. Estrogen levels decrease after birth. Progesterone levels decrease after birth. Human placental lactogen production continues to aid in lactation. However, it does not affect pigmentation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Reliving the birth experience makes the event real and helps the mother realize that the pregnancy is over and that the infant is born and is now a separate individual. She is in the taking-in phase, trying to make the birth experience seem real. This is to satisfy her needs, not the needs of others.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Excessive fatigue can impact the level of interaction between parent and child, leading to impaired parenting. En face behavior and feeling exhilarated post-birth are normal aspects of parental adaptation. Finger tipping behavior indicates a sense of identification or claiming behavior, which is not necessarily indicative of impaired parenting. Therefore, the correct answer is C.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the context of pediatric nursing care, understanding the signs of thrombophlebitis is crucial for early detection and intervention. The correct answer, option D, "local tenderness, heat, and swelling," is indicative of thrombophlebitis. Localized tenderness, heat, and swelling are classic signs of inflammation in the affected vein, which can be caused by a blood clot. Option A, "visible varicose veins," is incorrect because varicose veins are dilated, superficial veins typically seen in conditions like chronic venous insufficiency, but they are not specific to thrombophlebitis. Option B, "positive Homans sign," refers to calf pain upon dorsiflexion of the foot, which used to be considered a sign of deep vein thrombosis. However, this sign is no longer reliable and can actually dislodge a clot, making it an outdated and potentially harmful assessment. Option C, "pedal edema in the affected leg," is a common symptom in many lower extremity conditions, including venous insufficiency and heart failure, but it is not a specific indicator of thrombophlebitis. Educationally, nurses must be able to differentiate between various signs and symptoms to provide accurate assessments and interventions. Understanding the unique manifestations of thrombophlebitis in pediatric patients is essential for delivering safe and effective care.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because an abnormal odor of the lochia indicates a uterine infection in a postpartum patient. This is an early and specific sign of infection compared to assessing other areas such as the episiotomy site, abdomen, or vital signs. Monitoring the odor of the lochia can help in early detection and appropriate management of uterine infections in postpartum patients.