ATI RN
Complications of Postpartum Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is aware the greatest source of bleeding during childbirth occurs following detachment of the placenta. Which physiological change takes place immediately after the expulsion of the placenta to decrease the amount of blood loss?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Contractions of the uterine myometrium. After the placenta is expelled, the uterine myometrium contracts, causing compression of blood vessels at the site of placental detachment, which helps to decrease blood loss. This contraction also helps to close off blood vessels and reduce the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. Summary of other choices: B: Factor VIII complex increases during gestation - Factor VIII is involved in blood clotting, but its increase during gestation is not directly related to decreasing blood loss after placental expulsion. C: Platelet activity increases before labor and delivery - While platelet activity is important for blood clotting, the increase before labor and delivery does not specifically address the immediate decrease in blood loss after placental expulsion. D: Fibrin formation increases before the birth occurs - Fibrin formation is part of the clotting process, but its increase before birth does not directly address the immediate decrease in blood loss post
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is closely monitoring a patient who is postpartum and at risk for PPH. Which assessment finding will cause the nurse to contact the primary care provider immediately?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. A peripad weighing 100 g within 15 minutes indicates excessive postpartum bleeding, requiring immediate intervention to prevent hypovolemic shock. A displaced uterus (choice A) and small clots with massage (choice C) are expected findings after delivery and can be managed with appropriate interventions. A boggy uterine fundus (choice B) may indicate uterine atony but does not necessarily require immediate notification unless accompanied by excessive bleeding.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is providing postpartum care for a patient after a vaginal delivery. Which assessment finding causes the nurse to suspect endometritis from beta-hemolytic streptococcus?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, an elevated temperature greater than 100.4°F. Endometritis, an infection of the uterine lining, commonly caused by beta-hemolytic streptococcus, often presents with a fever. This is a key sign of infection, indicating the presence of an inflammatory process. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Scant amount of odorless lochia is indicative of normal postpartum discharge, not necessarily endometritis. B: Headache, malaise, and chills are non-specific symptoms that could be present in various conditions, not specific to endometritis. C: Pain or discomfort in the midline lower abdomen could be related to postpartum uterine contractions or other causes, but it is not a specific finding for endometritis.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is preparing discharge teaching for a postpartum patient who exhibits signs and symptoms of an episiotomy infection and is on oral antibiotic therapy. Which discharge teaching will the nurse provide regarding pain management?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Information applicable to medication therapy. The rationale is that proper pain management is crucial for patient comfort and healing. The nurse should educate the patient on the importance of taking the prescribed pain medication as directed to manage pain effectively. This includes information on dosage, frequency, and potential side effects. Hot packs (Choice A) may not be recommended for an infected episiotomy as heat can exacerbate the infection. Ambulation (Choice C) is important for circulation, but it may not directly address pain management. Medicating for pain above level 4 (Choice D) is vague and does not provide specific guidance on when to take pain medication.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is providing care for a patient who is 1 day postpartum and exhibiting symptoms of postpartum psychosis. Which medical management does the nurse expect for this patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step 1: Postpartum psychosis is a psychiatric emergency requiring immediate intervention. Step 2: Immediate hospitalization in a psychiatric unit ensures safety and specialized care. Step 3: Hospitalization allows for close monitoring, medication management, and therapy. Step 4: Discharge to home or prescribed neonate visits are not appropriate due to the severity of symptoms in postpartum psychosis.