ATI RN
Complication Postpartum Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse in a labor and delivery department carefully assesses postpartum patients for signs of complications related to hemorrhage. Which factor makes it most difficult to identify the risk of hemorrhage through vital sign evaluation?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because changes in blood pressure may not be an immediate sign of hemorrhage. Hemorrhage can occur rapidly and cause a drop in blood pressure, but it may not be the first sign observed. Vital signs such as blood pressure can fluctuate for various reasons, making it challenging to solely rely on them to identify hemorrhage risk. Elevated blood pressure from prenatal conditions (A) and increased respirations due to labor activity (B) are more likely to be expected and can be explained by those specific factors. Heart rate increasing with the intensity of labor (D) is a common physiological response and may not necessarily indicate hemorrhage.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is providing care for a patient who is 8 hours postpartum after a vaginal delivery. The patient reports severe perineal pain unaffected by pain medication. The nurse notices a 4 cm area of discoloration on the labia that is tender to the touch. Which action does the nurse take?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Contact the primary care provider for further evaluation. The patient's symptoms of severe perineal pain, discoloration on the labia, and tenderness indicate a potential complication such as hematoma or infection. Contacting the primary care provider is essential for prompt assessment and appropriate intervention to prevent further complications. Continuing to apply ice (A) may not address the underlying issue and could potentially worsen the condition. Monitoring vital signs (B) is important but may not provide direct insight into the specific problem. Relieving pressure by placing the patient in a side-lying position (D) is not the priority in this situation and may not address the underlying cause of the symptoms.
Question 3 of 5
The lactation nurse takes a phone call from a mother who is breastfeeding her 2-month-old infant. The mother reports an area of redness and warmth on the breast and a painful burning sensation when breastfeeding. Which statement by the nurse is correct if mastitis is suspected?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Continuing to breastfeed will help clear up the condition. Rationale: 1. Continuing to breastfeed helps to empty the breast and prevent milk stasis, which can worsen mastitis. 2. Breastfeeding helps maintain milk production and prevents engorgement, which can exacerbate the infection. 3. Breast milk has antibacterial properties that can help fight the infection. 4. Stopping breastfeeding abruptly can lead to more serious complications like abscess formation. Summary: A: Incorrect. Stopping breastfeeding abruptly can lead to complications and does not address the underlying infection. B: Incorrect. Pumping and throwing away milk does not address the underlying infection and can lead to decreased milk supply. C: Incorrect. Mastitis is not caused by the baby, and antibiotics are not always necessary if managed promptly with breastfeeding and self-care.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse on a postpartum unit observes a patient who delivered 2 days ago. The nurse notices extreme agitation and depressed mood. The patient states, “I think that my baby is deformed inside and we have to fix him.” Which risk factor is most strongly related to possible postpartum psychosis (PPP)?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, personal history of bipolar disorder. Postpartum psychosis is a severe mental health condition that can occur in women with a history of bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a major risk factor for developing postpartum psychosis due to the hormonal changes and stress of childbirth. The extreme agitation, depressed mood, and delusional thoughts exhibited by the patient in the scenario are indicative of postpartum psychosis. Choice A, separation from the baby’s father, is not a strong risk factor for postpartum psychosis. Choice C, prolonged labor resulting in cesarean, is associated with physical complications but not necessarily with postpartum psychosis. Choice D, loss of the first child from a heart defect, is a traumatic event but is not directly linked to the development of postpartum psychosis.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is aware of concern about the increasing numbers of severe maternal morbidity (SMM). It is believed to be related to changes in the overall health of the population of women giving birth. Which reasons does the nurse identify as causes of SMM? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Prepregnancy obesity. This is because obesity is a well-established risk factor for severe maternal morbidity. Obesity increases the likelihood of complications during pregnancy and childbirth, such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and cesarean deliveries. A: Increases in maternal age may be a risk factor for certain complications but not directly related to SMM. C: Cesarean deliveries can be a risk factor for SMM, but it is not the main cause. D: Inability to pay for health care is a social determinant of health and may impact access to care, but it is not a direct cause of SMM.