The postpartum patient who continually repeats the story of her labor, birth, and recovery experiences is performing which of the following tasks?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Reliving the birth experience makes the event real and helps the mother realize that the pregnancy is over and that the infant is born and is now a separate individual. She is in the taking-in phase, trying to make the birth experience seem real. This is to satisfy her needs, not the needs of others.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the context of pediatric nursing care, understanding the signs of thrombophlebitis is crucial for early detection and intervention. The correct answer, option D, "local tenderness, heat, and swelling," is indicative of thrombophlebitis. Localized tenderness, heat, and swelling are classic signs of inflammation in the affected vein, which can be caused by a blood clot. Option A, "visible varicose veins," is incorrect because varicose veins are dilated, superficial veins typically seen in conditions like chronic venous insufficiency, but they are not specific to thrombophlebitis. Option B, "positive Homans sign," refers to calf pain upon dorsiflexion of the foot, which used to be considered a sign of deep vein thrombosis. However, this sign is no longer reliable and can actually dislodge a clot, making it an outdated and potentially harmful assessment. Option C, "pedal edema in the affected leg," is a common symptom in many lower extremity conditions, including venous insufficiency and heart failure, but it is not a specific indicator of thrombophlebitis. Educationally, nurses must be able to differentiate between various signs and symptoms to provide accurate assessments and interventions. Understanding the unique manifestations of thrombophlebitis in pediatric patients is essential for delivering safe and effective care.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because an abnormal odor of the lochia indicates a uterine infection in a postpartum patient. This is an early and specific sign of infection compared to assessing other areas such as the episiotomy site, abdomen, or vital signs. Monitoring the odor of the lochia can help in early detection and appropriate management of uterine infections in postpartum patients.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In pediatric respiratory disorders, methylergonovine (Methergine) is not a commonly used medication. However, understanding the rationale behind checking blood pressure before administering it is crucial in nursing care. Methylergonovine is a medication primarily used to prevent or control excessive bleeding after childbirth. One of its potential side effects is hypertension, which can lead to severe complications if not monitored closely. Checking the blood pressure before giving methylergonovine is crucial to ensure that the patient's blood pressure is within the safe range. If the blood pressure is already elevated, administering methylergonovine could further exacerbate this condition, putting the patient at risk for adverse effects such as hypertensive crisis or stroke. Therefore, monitoring blood pressure allows the nurse to make an informed decision about the safety of administering the medication. The other options - color of the lochia, location of the fundus, and last administration of analgesics - are not directly related to the administration of methylergonovine. While monitoring lochia color and fundal height are essential postpartum assessments, they are not specifically relevant to the administration of this medication. Similarly, the timing of analgesic administration is important for pain management but does not impact the safety or effectiveness of methylergonovine. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind checking blood pressure before administering medications is a fundamental nursing skill. It demonstrates the importance of thorough assessment and critical thinking in ensuring patient safety. By grasping the specific considerations for each medication, nurses can provide optimal care and prevent potential complications. This knowledge is essential for nursing students to develop their clinical judgment and decision-making abilities in various patient care scenarios.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Lungs and liver. During fetal life, the lungs are nonfunctional because gas exchange occurs through the placenta, bypassing the need for lung function. The liver is also nonfunctional in the sense that the fetal circulation bypasses it through the ductus venosus and the umbilical vein, which deliver oxygenated blood directly to the inferior vena cava. Option A) Eyes and ears are functional during fetal life as they play important roles in sensory perception and development. Option C) Kidneys and adrenals are also functional in the fetus, responsible for urine production and endocrine functions. Option D) Gastrointestinal system is essential for nutrient absorption and waste elimination even in fetal life. Understanding the nonfunctionality of the lungs and liver in fetal life is crucial for nurses caring for pediatric patients with respiratory disorders. This knowledge helps in understanding the unique challenges and considerations when providing care for pediatric patients with respiratory issues, such as the importance of supporting oxygenation and ventilation in neonates and infants.