ATI RN
Complication Postpartum Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse informs a postpartum woman that which of the following is the reason ibuprofen (Advil) is especially effective for afterbirth pains?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In pharmacology, understanding the mechanism of action of medications is crucial for safe and effective administration. In the context of postpartum afterbirth pains, ibuprofen (Advil) is especially effective due to its antiprostaglandin effect. Prostaglandins are lipid compounds that play a key role in inflammation and pain. Ibuprofen works by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), which decreases the production of prostaglandins, thereby reducing pain and inflammation. Option A is incorrect because the frequency of administration alone does not explain the effectiveness of ibuprofen in managing afterbirth pains. Option C is incorrect as it pertains to the route of administration, which is not directly related to ibuprofen's effectiveness in this context. Option D is incorrect because administering ibuprofen in high doses does not explain its specific mechanism of action in alleviating afterbirth pains. By understanding the pharmacological principles behind ibuprofen's antiprostaglandin effect, nurses can provide evidence-based care to postpartum women experiencing afterbirth pains. It is essential for healthcare professionals to have a solid grasp of pharmacology to ensure safe medication administration and optimal patient outcomes.
Question 2 of 5
Immediately after delivery, a woman is shaking uncontrollably. Which of the following nursing actions is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the most appropriate nursing action is to provide the woman with warm blankets (Option A). The woman's uncontrollable shaking is likely due to postpartum shivering, which is a common physiological response to the body's readjustment after delivery. Providing warm blankets helps to increase the woman's comfort and can help alleviate the shivering. Option B, putting the woman in the Trendelenburg position, is not appropriate in this situation as it involves positioning the patient with the head lower than the rest of the body, which is not indicated for postpartum shivering. Option C, notifying the primary health care provider, is not necessary at this point as postpartum shivering is a normal occurrence and does not typically require immediate medical intervention. Option D, increasing the intravenous infusion, is also not indicated as the woman's shaking is not likely related to dehydration or inadequate fluid intake. Educationally, it is important for healthcare providers to understand the common physiological changes that occur postpartum and how to appropriately address them to ensure the well-being and comfort of the mother. Providing warm blankets in this situation is a simple yet effective intervention based on the understanding of postpartum shivering.
Question 3 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 4 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 5 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.