ATI RN
Complications of Postpartum Questions
Question 1 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 2 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 3 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.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is preparing a postpartum patient for discharge. For which reasons does the nurse instruct the patient to call the primary care provider? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Foul-smelling lochia. This indicates a possible infection in the uterus, which requires medical attention to prevent complications. Hot, red, painful breasts (B) may indicate mastitis, which also requires medical intervention. Mild headache (C) and not sleeping well (D) are common postpartum issues but do not typically require immediate medical attention. In summary, choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they are common postpartum symptoms that do not necessarily warrant contacting the primary care provider, unlike foul-smelling lochia (A), which could indicate a serious issue.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is assessing a patient who is 36 hours postpartum following a cesarean delivery. Which findings cause the nurse to conclude that a wound infection is developing? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because increased margins of incisional redness are indicative of a wound infection, showing an inflammatory response. This can be a sign of localized infection spreading. The other choices are incorrect as follows: A: A slight temperature increase alone is not specific to wound infection and can be attributed to other factors. B: Incisional tenderness can be expected post-surgery and does not necessarily indicate infection. D: Notably warm skin around the incision can also occur due to normal healing processes and inflammation. Therefore, only choice C directly indicates a developing wound infection.