ATI RN
Complication Postpartum Questions
Question 1 of 5
What drug should be readily available when a woman is receiving heparin therapy?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the context of postpartum care, when a woman is receiving heparin therapy, it is crucial to have protamine sulfate readily available. Protamine sulfate is the antidote for heparin, a common anticoagulant used to prevent blood clots. If a woman on heparin therapy experiences excessive bleeding or needs urgent reversal of the anticoagulant effects, protamine sulfate can quickly neutralize the effects of heparin, thereby preventing serious complications like hemorrhage. Option A, Vitamin K, is not directly related to reversing the effects of heparin. Vitamin K is commonly used to treat coagulation disorders related to deficiencies in clotting factors, particularly in newborns. Option B, Methylergonovine, is a medication used to prevent or control postpartum hemorrhage by inducing uterine contractions. It is not indicated for reversing the effects of heparin therapy. Option C, Ferrous sulfate, is an iron supplement used to treat or prevent iron deficiency anemia. It is not relevant to the scenario of a woman on heparin therapy requiring an antidote. Understanding the appropriate antidotes and reversal agents for medications is essential in clinical practice, especially in situations where prompt intervention is necessary to ensure patient safety and optimal outcomes. Healthcare providers should be knowledgeable about the specific antidotes for commonly used medications to address potential complications effectively.
Question 2 of 5
A new father tells a nurse friend that his wife is agitated and acting in a bizarre fashion. She says that she hears voices. Her baby is 2 weeks old. The father is concerned about the care the mother is giving the baby. The nurse should:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) Tell the father to call the physician immediately and not to leave the woman alone with the baby. This response is crucial because the mother is displaying symptoms of postpartum psychosis, a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Postpartum psychosis can pose a risk to both the mother and the baby's safety. By advising the father to contact the physician, the nurse ensures that the mother receives the necessary medical intervention promptly. Option A is incorrect because dismissing the symptoms as postpartum blues and suggesting they will pass with support is dangerous in this case of potential psychosis. Option B is inadequate as the situation requires urgent medical attention rather than casual conversation. Option C, while acknowledging the need for psychotherapy, falls short of the immediate action needed to address the severity of the mother's symptoms. Educationally, this scenario highlights the importance of recognizing and responding to postpartum mental health issues promptly. Nurses and healthcare providers must be vigilant in assessing and addressing postpartum complications to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby. Early intervention and appropriate referrals can significantly impact the outcomes for families experiencing postpartum mental health challenges.
Question 3 of 5
A woman tells you she has been teary for most of the 2 weeks since the birth of her baby. Although the infant appears to be cared for appropriately, the mother states that she feels too tired to spend as much time with him as she should. She has lost her appetite and cannot sleep at night. She has been too ashamed to tell anyone before now. The nurse's best response is to:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct response, option C, is to listen to the woman's feelings carefully and acknowledge that something is wrong. This is the best approach because the woman is exhibiting symptoms of postpartum depression, a serious condition that requires professional intervention. By actively listening and acknowledging her feelings, the nurse can provide support and encourage the woman to seek help from a healthcare provider. Option A is incorrect because dismissing her symptoms as "normal postpartum blues" minimizes the severity of her condition and may prevent her from seeking necessary help. Option B is also incorrect as simply suggesting more rest oversimplifies the complex nature of postpartum depression and does not address the underlying issue. Option D is not appropriate as separating the woman from her baby may exacerbate feelings of guilt and worsen her condition. In an educational context, it is crucial for healthcare providers, especially nurses, to be able to recognize the signs of postpartum depression and provide appropriate support and guidance to women experiencing it. By addressing mental health issues in the postpartum period, healthcare professionals can help prevent long-term consequences for both the mother and the baby.
Question 4 of 5
What physiologic postpartum change occurs because the uterus shrinks in size, resulting in an increase in blood flow?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D) Lochia increases. Postpartum, as the uterus shrinks in size (involution), it leads to increased blood flow to the area to aid in the healing process. This increased blood flow contributes to the shedding of the uterine lining, known as lochia, which is a normal postpartum discharge consisting of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue. Option A) Edema increases is incorrect because the shrinking of the uterus and increased blood flow do not typically lead to increased edema postpartum. Option B) Cardiac output increases is incorrect as the shrinking of the uterus does not directly impact cardiac output. Cardiac output may increase during labor and delivery but typically stabilizes postpartum. Option C) Temperature rises is incorrect as the process of involution and increased blood flow to the uterus does not directly cause a rise in temperature postpartum. Elevated temperature could indicate infection rather than a normal postpartum change. Understanding the physiological changes in the postpartum period is crucial for healthcare professionals caring for postpartum women. Recognizing these changes helps in identifying normal versus abnormal postpartum signs and symptoms, enabling timely interventions and improving the overall care provided to postpartum individuals.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse assesses the fundus and finds it to be boggy, elevated >2 fingerbreadths above the umbilicus, and deviated to one side. What is the common cause of this finding?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In postpartum care, assessing the fundus is crucial to monitor for uterine atony, a common cause of postpartum hemorrhage. In this scenario, a boggy, elevated, and deviated fundus indicates uterine atony, a condition where the uterus fails to contract effectively after delivery. Option B, a full bladder, is the correct answer as a distended bladder can displace the uterus, preventing it from contracting properly. This can lead to excessive bleeding and delayed involution. Option A, uterine rupture, is unlikely in this case as the fundus would typically be firm and displaced high in the abdomen. Option C, perineal laceration, would not directly cause the fundus to be boggy and elevated. Option D, hematoma, may cause localized pain and swelling but would not typically result in a boggy, elevated fundus. Educationally, understanding the importance of fundal assessment postpartum is crucial for nurses to identify and manage complications promptly. Proper assessment skills help prevent and address postpartum hemorrhage, a leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide. Nurses must be adept at differentiating between normal involution and abnormal findings to provide optimal care for postpartum mothers.