ATI RN
Complication Postpartum Questions
Question 1 of 5
On admission to the labor and delivery unit, a client 's hemoglobin (Hgb) was assessed at 11.0 g/dL, and her hematocrit (Hct) at 33%. Which of the following values would the nurse expect to see 2 days after a normal spontaneous vaginal delivery?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the postpartum period, it is common for hemoglobin (Hgb) and hematocrit (Hct) levels to decrease due to the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy and delivery. The correct answer, option C, Hgb 10.5 g/dL; Hct 31%, reflects this normal postpartum decrease in Hgb and Hct levels. Option A, Hgb 12.5 g/dL; Hct 37%, is incorrect as it indicates an increase in Hgb and Hct levels, which would not be expected after a normal delivery. Option B, Hgb 11.0 g/dL; Hct 33%, represents the initial values and would not show a significant change 2 days post-delivery. Option D, Hgb 9.0 g/dL; Hct 27%, suggests a further decrease in Hgb and Hct levels, which would be a cause for concern postpartum. Educationally, understanding the expected changes in Hgb and Hct levels postpartum is crucial for nurses and healthcare providers to monitor and manage maternal health effectively. This knowledge helps in identifying and addressing any abnormal trends promptly to prevent complications such as postpartum hemorrhage.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is developing a plan of care for the postpartum client during the 'taking in ' phase. Which of the following should the nurse include in the plan?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the postpartum period, the 'taking in' phase is characterized by the mother's focus on her own needs and experiences related to labor and birth. Therefore, the correct answer is B) Discuss the labor and birth with the mother. This is important as it allows the mother to process and understand her birthing experience, which can aid in emotional recovery and adjustment to motherhood. Option A) Teach baby-care skills like diapering is incorrect as it focuses on the baby's care, which is not the priority during the 'taking in' phase when the mother needs to focus on herself. Option C) Discuss contraceptive choices with the mother is also incorrect during this phase as it pertains more to future family planning and is not immediately relevant to the mother's current emotional and physical recovery. Option D) Teach breastfeeding skills like pumping is not the most appropriate choice during the 'taking in' phase, as the mother may not be emotionally ready to focus on breastfeeding techniques and may need more time to process her birth experience first. Understanding the different postpartum phases and their corresponding needs is crucial for nurses to provide individualized care that supports the mother's physical and emotional well-being during this critical period of transition to motherhood.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse takes a newborn to a primipara for a feeding. The mother holds the baby en face, strokes his cheek, and states that this is the first newborn she has ever held. Which of the following nursing assessments is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, option B is the most appropriate nursing assessment. The mother's lack of experience in handling newborns is evident when she states that this is the first newborn she has ever held. While there is positive bonding as she holds the baby en face and strokes his cheek, the need for teaching related to newborn care is crucial to ensure the newborn's well-being. Option A is incorrect because even though there is positive bonding, teaching related to newborn care is necessary due to the mother's lack of experience. Option C is not appropriate as there is no indication of poor bonding or child abuse, simply a lack of experience. Option D is incorrect as it assumes poor bonding when the scenario only describes the mother's lack of experience. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of assessing a mother's comfort and knowledge in caring for her newborn. It emphasizes the nurse's role in providing education and support to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the newborn.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is counseling a woman about postpartum blues. Which of the following should be included in the discussion?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the context of pharmacology and postpartum care, it is crucial for nurses to educate women about postpartum blues. Option B, which states that postpartum blues typically last about a week or two, is the correct answer. This information is important for the woman to understand that these feelings are temporary and usually resolve on their own without the need for medical intervention. Option A is incorrect because while it is true that the father may also experience emotional changes during the postpartum period, this information is not directly related to the discussion about postpartum blues. Option C is incorrect because medications are not typically needed to relieve the symptoms of postpartum blues, as it is a normal part of the postpartum experience. Option D is incorrect as postpartum blues are actually quite common, affecting a significant number of women after childbirth. Educationally, this question helps reinforce the importance of providing accurate and relevant information to women regarding their postpartum experience. Nurses play a vital role in supporting women through this period of adjustment, and by understanding the duration and nature of postpartum blues, they can better assist women in coping with these temporary emotional changes.
Question 5 of 5
The home health nurse visits a client who is 6 days postdelivery. The client appears sad, weeps frequently, and states, 'I don 't know what is wrong with me. I feel terrible. I should be happy, but I 'm not. ' Which of the following nursing diagnoses is appropriate for this client?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the most appropriate nursing diagnosis for the client experiencing sadness, frequent weeping, and expressing feeling terrible despite expecting happiness post-delivery is "Ineffective individual coping related to hormonal shifts" (Option C). This choice is correct because the client's symptoms align with postpartum depression, which is often caused by hormonal fluctuations after childbirth. The client's inability to cope effectively with these changes is evident in her emotional distress. Option A is incorrect because suicidal thoughts related to psychotic ideations would present with more severe symptoms beyond just feeling sad and weeping frequently. Option B is incorrect as there is no mention of a traumatic delivery in the scenario. Option D is incorrect as spiritual distress related to immature belief systems does not align with the client's symptoms of postpartum depression. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing postpartum depression, a common complication after childbirth. Nurses need to be aware of the signs and symptoms to provide appropriate support and interventions for new mothers experiencing emotional challenges during the postpartum period.