ATI RN
Complication Postpartum Questions
Question 1 of 5
What important assessment should the nurse perform on all postpartum persons?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because screening for Postpartum Depression (PPD) with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is crucial for the well-being of postpartum individuals. PPD is a common and serious condition that can affect the mother's mental health and bonding with the baby. Early detection and intervention are key to ensuring proper support and treatment. Choice B, screening for drug use, is not a routine assessment for all postpartum persons unless there are specific risk factors present. Choice C, screening for breast-feeding failure, is important but not the most critical assessment to perform on all postpartum individuals. Choice D, screening for contraception contraindications, is important for family planning but is not as immediate or essential as screening for PPD.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is performing an assessment of the uterus 30 minutes after a normal delivery and finds the fundus to be soft and boggy. IV Pitocin is infusing at 150 mL/hr. What is the priority nursing intervention?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because a soft and boggy fundus after delivery indicates uterine atony, which can lead to postpartum hemorrhage. Performing external massage of the uterus will help stimulate contractions and firm up the fundus. Assessing for additional bleeding is crucial to monitor for hemorrhage. Updating the licensed provider is important for further management. Choice A is incorrect because simply increasing Pitocin without addressing the uterine atony may not resolve the issue. Choice C is incorrect as notifying the provider of increased blood loss is not the immediate priority; addressing the uterine atony is. Choice D is incorrect as assisting the patient to the bathroom does not address the soft and boggy fundus issue.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for a postpartum woman and her 2-hour-old baby. The new mother has been preoccupied with breastfeeding and visitors, but suddenly she complains of dizziness and is light-headed. Which response by the nurse is appropriate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct response is D because the new mother's complaint of dizziness and light-headedness could indicate postpartum hemorrhage, a common complication. Obtaining vital signs will help assess for signs of shock. Assessing fundal tone can determine if the uterus is contracting properly to prevent excessive bleeding. Observing for excessive lochia is important to monitor for increased bleeding. Choice A is incorrect because the symptoms are not solely due to dehydration or lack of calories. Choice B is incorrect as the nurse should assess the mother first before delegating care to family members. Choice C is incorrect as dizziness is not a common side effect of pain medication in the postpartum period.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for a woman who is 6 hours postpartum after a vaginal delivery. She has a history of labial varicose veins and is reporting perineal pain of 8 on a 10-point scale. What interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it addresses the patient's specific issue of perineal pain related to her history of labial varicose veins. By assessing the perineum for a hematoma or inflamed varicosities, the nurse can identify the cause of the pain and provide appropriate treatment. Administering oral pain medication targets the source of discomfort. Choice A is incorrect because providing an inflatable donut ring may offer temporary relief but does not address the underlying cause of the pain. Administering oral pain medication alone may not be sufficient without assessing the perineum. Choice B is incorrect because dismissing the patient's pain as normal without further assessment can lead to overlooking potential complications. Assisting the patient to a side-lying position does not address the pain. Choice D is incorrect because administering stool softeners and encouraging fluids may be beneficial for postpartum care but does not directly address the patient's perineal pain related to varicose veins.
Question 5 of 5
Hemabate has been ordered for a postpartum patient who has uncontrolled bleeding and uterine atony. Which is the appropriate nursing action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. The rationale is as follows: 1. Hemabate is a medication used to treat postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony. 2. Checking the patient's record for a history of asthma is crucial as Hemabate can exacerbate asthma symptoms. 3. Asking the provider for an antidiarrheal medication is appropriate to manage potential side effects of Hemabate. 4. Checking vital signs for hypotension (Choice A) is important but not the immediate nursing action. 5. Checking blood glucose and increasing IV fluids (Choice B) are not directly related to the administration of Hemabate. 6. Checking for a history of hypothyroid and asking for anti-nausea medication (Choice D) is irrelevant to Hemabate administration.