On the third postpartum day a client tells the nurse that she feels sad and that she cries easily. The nurse should explain about which of the following?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is option A: "These feelings are normal and should diminish when the baby is a week or so old." This answer is correct because the client is likely experiencing postpartum blues, a common and temporary condition that affects many women after giving birth. These feelings of sadness and crying easily are often due to hormonal changes, lack of sleep, and the stress of adjusting to a new baby. It is important for the nurse to reassure the client that these feelings are normal and usually resolve on their own within a week or two. Option B is incorrect because prescribing an antidepressant for postpartum blues is not typically the first-line treatment. Postpartum depression, which is more severe and persistent, may require antidepressant medication, but in this scenario, the client is likely experiencing normal postpartum blues. Option C is incorrect because simply focusing on having a healthy baby will not necessarily make the feelings of sadness disappear. While gratitude and positive thinking can be helpful, postpartum blues are a complex issue that may not be resolved by shifting focus alone. Option D is incorrect because the client's feelings of sadness are not solely dependent on being surrounded by family and friends. While social support is important, postpartum blues are a common physiological and emotional response to childbirth that may not be alleviated solely by external factors. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing postpartum emotional changes in new mothers. Nurses play a crucial role in educating clients about the range of emotions they may experience postpartum and providing support and guidance to help them navigate this challenging period.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is A) Use an astringent mouthwash. Ptyalism, excessive salivation, is a common symptom in pregnancy due to hormonal changes. Using an astringent mouthwash can help reduce salivation by drying the mouth. This self-care measure can provide relief to the pregnant woman experiencing this discomfort. Option B) Elevate her legs frequently is incorrect as it is not relevant to managing ptyalism. Leg elevation is typically recommended for conditions like edema or varicose veins in pregnancy. Option C) Eat high-fiber foods is also incorrect. While a high-fiber diet is important in pregnancy for bowel health, it does not directly address the symptom of ptyalism. Option D) Void when the urge is felt is unrelated to managing ptyalism. This option pertains to bladder habits and has no impact on excessive salivation. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses to understand common discomforts experienced during pregnancy and how to provide appropriate self-care strategies to pregnant women. Teaching self-care measures for symptoms like ptyalism empowers pregnant women to manage their discomfort effectively.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Hypothermia. Translucent skin with visible veins in a newborn baby can indicate a lack of subcutaneous fat, which can lead to difficulty in maintaining body temperature, making the baby prone to hypothermia. Newborns have a higher surface area-to-body mass ratio, which makes them more susceptible to heat loss. Option A) Polycythemia is incorrect because translucent skin is not typically associated with an increased red blood cell count. Option C) Hyperglycemia is not directly related to the physical manifestation described. Option D) Polyuria, excessive urination, is not typically associated with translucent skin in a newborn. Educationally, understanding the signs and symptoms of newborn conditions is crucial for nurses caring for high-risk neonates. Monitoring for hypothermia in this case is vital to prevent complications. Nurses should be knowledgeable about newborn physiology and common issues to provide appropriate care and interventions promptly.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) The fetal heart remains stable in relation to 3 contractions. In a contraction stress test (CST), a negative result indicates that the fetus can tolerate the stress of labor contractions. This is evidenced by the fetal heart rate remaining stable during contractions, indicating that the fetus is not experiencing distress. Option B) stating that uterine contractions last longer than 90 seconds is incorrect because prolonged contractions can lead to reduced oxygen supply to the fetus, resulting in a positive CST. Option C) stating that the mother reports a pain level less than 5 on a 10-point scale is incorrect as maternal pain is not a factor in interpreting the CST results. Option D) stating that the baby moves spontaneously 3 times in 20 minutes is incorrect as fetal movement is not a parameter used to interpret CST results. In an educational context, understanding how to interpret CST results is crucial in the management of high-risk pregnancies. Nurses need to be able to recognize what constitutes a negative or positive result to provide appropriate care and interventions for both the mother and the fetus. This knowledge ensures the safety and well-being of both during the antepartum period.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) "Do you ever have unprotected intercourse?" This question is the most important because the client's report of feeling a hard thing on her vaginal lip could indicate a sexually transmitted infection (STI) like a genital wart, which can be transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse. By asking about unprotected intercourse, the nurse can assess the client's risk for STIs and provide appropriate education on safe sex practices and STI prevention. Option A) "Have any of your partners ever hurt you?" is incorrect because it does not address the client's current symptom of a hard thing on her vaginal lip and focuses more on a history of partner violence. Option C) "Have you ever had a baby?" is irrelevant to the client's presenting concern and does not address the potential STI risk. Option D) "Do you think you may be pregnant?" is also not relevant to the client's complaint of a hard thing on her vaginal lip. While pregnancy testing may be important in some cases, it is not the priority in this situation where an STI is suspected. In an educational context, this question highlights the importance of thorough assessment and critical thinking in identifying potential health risks in high-risk populations like young, sexually active individuals. It emphasizes the need for nurses to ask targeted questions to gather essential information for effective care and intervention.