ATI RN
Complication Postpartum Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is developing a standard care plan for postpartum clients who have had midline episiotomies. Which of the following interventions should be included in the plan?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In developing a standard care plan for postpartum clients with midline episiotomies, including the intervention to teach the client to contract her buttocks before sitting (option C) is crucial. This intervention helps reduce tension and pressure on the episiotomy site, promoting healing and preventing complications such as wound dehiscence and infection. Option A is incorrect as removing stitches on the third postpartum day is premature and can disrupt the healing process. Option B may be necessary for pain management but does not directly address care specific to the episiotomy site. Option D is not recommended as routine irrigation with antibiotic solution can disrupt the natural healing process and increase the risk of developing antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. Educationally, this rationale highlights the importance of tailored care plans for specific postpartum complications, emphasizing the significance of interventions that promote healing and prevent complications in line with evidence-based practice.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is assessing the laboratory report on a 2-day postpartum G1 P1001. The woman had a normal postpartum assessment this morning. Which of the following results should the nurse report to the primary health care provider?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is option C) Hematocrit, 26%. This result indicates a low hematocrit level, which could suggest postpartum hemorrhage, a common complication after childbirth. Postpartum hemorrhage can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Reporting this result promptly can lead to timely intervention and prevent further complications for the mother. Option A) White blood cells, 12,500 cells/mm3, is within normal range and not indicative of a significant issue postpartum. Option B) Red blood cells, 4,500,000 cells/mm3, is also within normal limits and does not raise immediate concerns. Option D) Hemoglobin, 11 g/dL, though slightly lower than normal, is not as concerning as a low hematocrit level in the context of postpartum assessment. Educationally, understanding the significance of laboratory values in the postpartum period is crucial for nurses caring for postpartum women. Recognizing abnormal results and knowing when to escalate them to the primary healthcare provider is essential in providing safe and effective care to postpartum mothers. This knowledge can help prevent complications and improve outcomes for both the mother and the newborn.
Question 3 of 5
A client, 2 days postpartum from a spontaneous vaginal delivery, asks the nurse about postpartum exercises. Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D) You can do some Kegel exercises today and then slowly increase your toning exercises over the next few weeks. This response is appropriate because Kegel exercises help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which can aid in postpartum recovery. Starting with Kegel exercises is safe and beneficial for postpartum women. Slowly increasing toning exercises over time is important to prevent injury and allow the body to heal properly. Option A is incorrect because waiting until the postpartum checkup may delay the initiation of beneficial exercises. Option B is not ideal as it restricts all exercises except Kegels, limiting the client's ability to gradually regain strength. Option C is incorrect as it suggests returning to the pre-pregnancy exercise schedule too soon, which can be harmful and may not align with the client's current physical capabilities. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses to provide evidence-based recommendations to postpartum clients regarding exercise. Understanding the physiological changes postpartum and tailoring exercise recommendations to promote recovery and prevent complications is essential for promoting maternal well-being. Teaching clients safe and effective postpartum exercises empowers them to take an active role in their recovery process.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse palpates a distended bladder on a woman who delivered vaginally 2 hours earlier. The woman refuses to go to the bathroom, 'I really don 't need to go. ' Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, option B is the most appropriate response by the nurse. The nurse should encourage the woman to try to urinate despite her refusal, as a distended bladder postpartum can lead to complications such as urinary retention, which can further lead to bladder distention, UTIs, or even damage to the bladder. Encouraging the woman to try to urinate helps prevent these complications and promotes her overall well-being. Option A is incorrect as it dismisses the nurse's findings of a distended bladder and does not address the issue at hand. Option C is incorrect as it assumes numbness from local anesthesia, which is not relevant to the situation described. Option D is incorrect because catheterization should be a last resort and should only be done if the woman is unable to void on her own after other interventions have been attempted. From an educational standpoint, this scenario highlights the importance of assessing and addressing postpartum complications promptly to prevent further issues. It also emphasizes the role of the nurse in advocating for the patient's health and well-being, even in situations where the patient may be hesitant or resistant. Encouraging open communication and providing appropriate care are vital aspects of nursing practice in postpartum care.
Question 5 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.