ATI RN
Complication Postpartum Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for a birth mother who is relinquishing her newborn. What intervention is appropriate for the nurse?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is option D: Ask about the patient's expectations for having newborn photos or video. This is the most appropriate intervention for the nurse caring for a birth mother who is relinquishing her newborn because it demonstrates empathy, sensitivity, and a focus on the mother's emotional needs during this difficult time. By asking about newborn photos or videos, the nurse acknowledges the significance of the mother's experience and provides an opportunity for her to create lasting memories. Options A, B, and C are incorrect interventions. Option A is inappropriate as it uses insensitive language that can be hurtful to the mother who is already experiencing a challenging situation. Option B is incorrect because denying the mother the opportunity to hold her baby can be emotionally distressing and lacks compassion. Option C is also inappropriate as it may come across as judgmental and intrusive, potentially causing the mother further emotional distress. In an educational context, it is essential for healthcare providers, especially nurses, to approach sensitive situations with empathy and respect. Understanding the emotional needs of patients and providing support tailored to their individual circumstances is crucial in fostering a trusting and therapeutic nurse-patient relationship. By choosing option D, the nurse demonstrates a patient-centered approach that acknowledges the mother's emotions and respects her autonomy in decision-making regarding her newborn.
Question 2 of 5
What postpartum infection can be transferred between the breast-feeding person and newborn if both are not treated appropriately?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the context of postpartum complications, it is crucial to understand the potential risks associated with breastfeeding. The correct answer is C) thrush. Thrush is a fungal infection caused by Candida albicans that can be transmitted between the breastfeeding person and the newborn if not treated appropriately. This infection can present as white patches in the infant's mouth or on the mother's nipples, causing pain and discomfort for both. Option A) wound infection typically refers to infections at the site of a surgical incision or tear during childbirth and is not directly related to breastfeeding transmission. Option B) urinary tract infection is a common postpartum complication but is not typically transmitted between the breastfeeding person and the newborn. Option D) mastitis is a breast infection that can occur in breastfeeding individuals due to blocked milk ducts or bacteria entering the breast tissue. While mastitis is a common postpartum complication related to breastfeeding, it is not typically transmitted directly between the breastfeeding person and the newborn. Understanding these distinctions is essential for healthcare providers and caregivers to provide appropriate care and prevent the spread of infections during the postpartum period. Educating individuals about the signs, symptoms, and proper treatment of postpartum infections like thrush is crucial for promoting maternal and infant health during the breastfeeding journey.
Question 3 of 5
What assessment data increases the risk of postpartum infection?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the context of pharmacology, understanding postpartum complications is crucial for healthcare professionals. The correct answer is A) precipitous labor. This is because precipitous labor, defined as labor lasting less than 3 hours from the onset of contractions to delivery, can lead to increased risk of postpartum infection due to potential tissue trauma, increased exposure to vaginal flora, and inadequate time for proper cleansing and disinfection. Option B) urinary retention is not directly related to an increased risk of postpartum infection. While urinary retention can lead to urinary tract infections, it is not a direct risk factor for postpartum infections. Option C) breast-feeding, on the contrary, can actually help reduce the risk of postpartum infection by promoting uterine contractions, which aids in expelling placental remnants and reducing the risk of infection. Option D) intact perineum also does not directly increase the risk of postpartum infection. In fact, a perineum that is intact and well-healed can lower the risk of infection compared to a perineum with lacerations or tears. Educationally, it is important for healthcare providers to recognize the risk factors for postpartum infections to provide appropriate care and interventions to prevent complications. Understanding how different factors such as labor duration can impact the risk of infection is essential for pharmacology students and practitioners to ensure safe and effective patient care during the postpartum period.
Question 4 of 5
What nursing intervention does the nurse include in the plan of care for a person with a wound infection?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the context of postpartum wound infection management, the correct nursing intervention to include in the plan of care for a person with a wound infection is to assess for REEDA. "REEDA" stands for Redness, Edema, Ecchymosis, Discharge, and Approximation - these are parameters used to assess the healing progression of a wound. Rationale for the correct answer (B): Assessing for REEDA allows the nurse to monitor the signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, pain, warmth, and abnormal discharge from the wound. This assessment is crucial in early detection of wound complications, guiding appropriate interventions, and preventing further infection spread. Rationales for incorrect options: A) Reassuring the postpartum person that infection will resolve without antibiotics is incorrect because wound infections often require proper medical intervention, including antibiotics, to prevent complications. C) Waiting until the temperature reaches 99.0°F to call the healthcare provider is incorrect as fever is a late sign of infection, and immediate action is required to address wound infections promptly. D) Vigorously scrubbing the incision with soap and water is incorrect as this could exacerbate the infection, cause further tissue damage, and increase the risk of complications. Educational context: Understanding the importance of wound assessment, early detection of infection signs, and appropriate nursing interventions is crucial in providing safe and effective care to postpartum individuals. Nurses need to have the knowledge and skills to recognize abnormal wound healing, implement evidence-based interventions, and collaborate with the healthcare team to promote optimal recovery and prevent complications in postpartum care.
Question 5 of 5
What nursing intervention does the nurse include in the plan of care for a person with postpartum endometritis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the context of postpartum endometritis, which is an infection of the uterine lining following childbirth, the correct nursing intervention of monitoring for signs of sepsis (Option A) is crucial. Endometritis can lead to systemic infection, including sepsis, which is a life-threatening condition. By monitoring for signs of sepsis such as fever, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, and altered mental status, the nurse can promptly identify and initiate appropriate treatment to prevent further complications. Option B, discouraging breastfeeding, is incorrect. Breastfeeding is not contraindicated in cases of endometritis unless there are specific reasons such as the mother being on medications that are unsafe for the baby. Option C, avoiding fundal assessment, is also incorrect. Fundal assessment is important postpartum to monitor uterine involution and to detect any abnormalities such as excessive bleeding that may indicate complications like hemorrhage, not specifically related to endometritis. Option D, increasing family visiting hours, is not a priority intervention for a person with postpartum endometritis. While family support is important, the immediate focus should be on monitoring for and managing the infection to prevent further complications. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind each nursing intervention is crucial for providing safe and effective care to patients. Nurses need to prioritize interventions based on the patient's condition and the potential risks involved to ensure optimal outcomes. Monitoring for signs of sepsis in a person with postpartum endometritis is a critical nursing intervention that can ultimately save lives by enabling early detection and treatment of a potentially life-threatening complication.