A woman who is 4 days postdelivery calls the nurse's station and states that she is feeling faint and dizzy. Which is an appropriate nursing action?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct nursing action is to instruct the woman to request help when getting up (Option D). This is the appropriate action because the woman is experiencing symptoms of orthostatic hypotension, a common postpartum condition where blood pressure drops when moving from a lying to a standing position due to dehydration, blood loss, or hormonal changes. Instructing the woman to ask for help when getting up ensures her safety and prevents falls or injuries. Option A, notifying the physician, is not the immediate action needed in this situation as the woman's symptoms can be managed by simple interventions. Option B, elevating the woman's legs, is not the most appropriate action for her symptoms of faintness and dizziness. Option C, administering oxygen, is not indicated as there is no indication of respiratory distress in this case. In an educational context, understanding the importance of prompt assessment and appropriate interventions in postpartum care is crucial for nurses to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the newborn. Nurses must be able to recognize common postpartum complications and know the appropriate nursing actions to take in each situation to provide safe and effective care.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, option C, "The woman is crying and does not know why," is the most likely observation the nurse would make upon discharge on the fourth postpartum day. This observation is indicative of postpartum blues or postpartum depression, common conditions among postpartum women. It is crucial for healthcare providers to identify and address mental health issues in postpartum women to provide appropriate support and interventions. Option A, the woman stating she is very hungry, is a common physical symptom postpartum and does not necessarily indicate a significant concern at this point. Option B, the woman wanting to talk about her birth experience, is also common and may indicate a need for emotional processing but is not as concerning as unexplained crying. Option D, the woman requesting information about feeding and dressing her baby, while important, is not the most likely observation to make in this context where emotional well-being is a priority. From an educational perspective, understanding the nuances of postpartum care, including emotional well-being assessment, is vital for nurses and healthcare providers working with postpartum women. This question highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing mental health issues in postpartum care to ensure holistic support for new mothers.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, option B ("A description of the lochia as being red in color") is the correct answer that should cause concern for the nurse. In the postpartum period, lochia typically progresses from bright red to pinkish to eventually white or yellow. Persistent red bleeding after the first few days may indicate a potential issue such as retained placental tissue or infection, requiring further evaluation and intervention. Option A ("Increased flow noticed with physical activity") is a common occurrence in the postpartum period and is usually attributed to increased activity levels. It is not a cause for concern unless accompanied by other symptoms. Option C ("Discharge that is noted to have a fleshy odor") could indicate an infection, but it is not as concerning as persistent red bleeding. Option D ("Bleeding that is described as scant") is actually a normal finding in the later stages of the postpartum period as bleeding decreases. It is not a cause for concern unless it suddenly increases or is accompanied by other symptoms. Educationally, understanding the variations in postpartum bleeding patterns and recognizing abnormal signs is crucial for nurses providing care to postpartum patients. It highlights the importance of ongoing assessment and vigilance in identifying potential complications to ensure the well-being of both the mother and baby.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) A saturated cotton ball is placed in a "hat" on the toilet. This method is used to help stimulate urination by providing a strong scent that can help relax the perineal muscles, making it easier for the patient to void. Placing the saturated cotton ball in a "hat" on the toilet allows the peppermint oil to be in close proximity to the patient during the voiding process. Option A is incorrect because applying peppermint oil directly to the urinary meatus can be irritating and uncomfortable for the patient. Option B is also incorrect as leaving a small amount on a cotton ball at the bedside will not provide the necessary stimulation for urination. Option C is incorrect as adding peppermint oil to a vaporizer may not be as effective in stimulating urination as the direct application method in option D. In an educational context, it is important for nurses to understand integrative methods like using peppermint oil to aid patients in postpartum care. This knowledge can help nurses provide holistic care and support to patients experiencing difficulties in postpartum recovery, promoting their comfort and well-being.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) Levels of prenatal and postnatal fatigue are associated. This conclusion is evidence-based because Loutzenhiser, McAuslan, and Sharpe (2015) found a significant correlation between fatigue experienced during pregnancy and fatigue experienced after childbirth. This suggests that there is a relationship between the two phases, indicating that prenatal fatigue can impact postnatal fatigue levels in transitioning parents. Option B) Postnatal fatigue remains consistent for a period of 1 year is incorrect because the study did not make any claims about the consistency of postnatal fatigue for a year. Fatigue levels can vary throughout the postpartum period depending on various factors. Option C) Poor sleep quality in fathers is related to depressive symptoms is incorrect as this specific relationship was not the focus of the study conducted by Loutzenhiser, McAuslan, and Sharpe (2015). While sleep quality can impact fatigue, the study did not directly link poor sleep quality in fathers to depressive symptoms. Option D) The length of couple relationship strongly impacts parental fatigue is incorrect based on the study's findings. The study focused on maternal and paternal fatigue and factors associated with fatigue across the transition to parenthood, not specifically on the length of the couple's relationship. Educationally, understanding the factors that contribute to parental fatigue during the transition to parenthood is crucial for healthcare providers and support systems to provide appropriate care and support to new parents. Recognizing the link between prenatal and postnatal fatigue can help healthcare professionals develop interventions to support parents during this challenging period.