ATI RN
Complication Postpartum Questions
Question 1 of 5
A young mother is excited about her first baby. Choose the best teaching to help her obtain adequate rest after discharge.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the context of postpartum complications, adequate rest is crucial for the mother's physical and mental well-being. Option A, "Plan to sleep or rest any time the infant sleeps," is the best choice because it aligns with the concept of maximizing rest opportunities during the newborn's sleep cycles. This approach allows the mother to recuperate, promote healing, and manage potential postpartum complications more effectively. Option B, "Do all housecleaning while the infant sleeps," is incorrect as it neglects the importance of rest for the mother, which is essential for her recovery and overall health. Engaging in housecleaning activities during the infant's sleep time can lead to exhaustion and may exacerbate postpartum complications. Option C, "Cook several meals at once and freeze for later use," although helpful in managing time and reducing stress, does not directly address the need for rest, which is the primary concern in the postpartum period. Option D, "Tell family and friends not to visit for the first month," is also incorrect as social support is crucial for the mother's well-being postpartum. However, setting boundaries and managing visitors' expectations to ensure that the mother has ample time to rest is essential. In an educational context, it is important to emphasize to new mothers the significance of prioritizing rest and self-care in the postpartum period. By understanding and implementing strategies like sleeping or resting when the infant sleeps, mothers can better manage postpartum complications and promote a smoother recovery process.
Question 2 of 5
To help the postpartum woman avoid constipation, the nurse should teach her to:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the postpartum period, constipation is a common issue due to factors like hormonal changes, decreased abdominal muscle tone, and fear of pain during bowel movements. Teaching the postpartum woman to drink at least 1600 mL of noncaffeinated fluids daily is crucial in preventing constipation. Adequate hydration softens stool, making it easier to pass and preventing constipation. Option A is incorrect because foods like milk, cheese, and yogurt can actually help prevent constipation due to their fiber content. Option B is not recommended as a routine practice because using laxatives can lead to dependency and disrupt natural bowel function. Option D is also incorrect as walking encourages bowel motility and can actually help prevent constipation in the postpartum period. Educationally, it is important to teach evidence-based strategies to promote postpartum health and prevent complications. By understanding the physiological changes that occur postpartum, nurses can provide targeted education to support women in their recovery and promote optimal well-being.
Question 3 of 5
What is the most common reason for late postpartum hemorrhage (PPH)?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Subinvolution of the uterus. This is the most common cause of late postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) due to incomplete contraction and retraction of the uterus leading to persistent bleeding. Subinvolution can result from retained placental fragments, uterine infections, or inadequate involution. Choice B, defective vascularity of the decidua, is less common and not typically associated with late PPH. Cervical lacerations (Choice C) usually cause immediate bleeding after delivery, not late PPH. Coagulation disorders (Choice D) can cause both early and late PPH but are less common than subinvolution.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse suspects that her postpartum client is experiencing hemorrhagic shock. Which observation indicates or would confirm this diagnosis?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because a urinary output of at least 30 ml/hr indicates adequate perfusion and kidney function, which is crucial in managing hemorrhagic shock. Low urine output is a sign of poor perfusion and impending organ failure. Absence of cyanosis in the buccal mucosa (choice A) is not specific to hemorrhagic shock. Cool, dry skin (choice B) is a late sign of shock. A calm mental status (choice C) can be seen in the compensatory stage of shock.
Question 5 of 5
What is one of the initial signs and symptoms of puerperal infection in the postpartum client?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher on 2 successive days is a key sign of puerperal infection. This is due to the body's response to infection. Fatigue (choice A) can be a symptom but is nonspecific. Pain with voiding (choice B) may indicate a urinary tract infection. Profuse vaginal lochia (choice C) may be normal postpartum.