following delivery of a newborn the 21 year old mother is experiencing mild vaginal bleeding you note that her heart rate has increased from 90 to 120

ATI LPN

LPN Pediatrics

1. Following delivery of a newborn, the 21-year-old mother is experiencing mild vaginal bleeding. You note that her heart rate has increased from 90 to 120 beats/min and she is diaphoretic. In addition to administering high-flow oxygen, treatment should include:

A. treating for shock and uterine massage during transport.
B. uterine massage and transport.
C. placing her on her left side and transport.
D. internal vaginal pads and treating for shock during transport.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the mother is showing signs of postpartum hemorrhage with increased heart rate, diaphoresis, and mild vaginal bleeding. The correct approach involves treating for shock by addressing hypovolemia and providing uterine massage to help control bleeding. Administering high-flow oxygen is essential. Therefore, the most appropriate option is to treat for shock and perform uterine massage during transport to manage the postpartum hemorrhage effectively.

2. The healthcare provider assesses the vital signs of a 12-month-old infant with a respiratory infection and notes that the respiratory rate is 35 breaths/minute. Based on this finding, which action is most appropriate?

A. Administer oxygen
B. Document the findings
C. Notify the healthcare provider
D. Reassess the respiratory rate in 15 minutes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Documenting the findings is the most appropriate action since a respiratory rate of 35 breaths per minute falls within the normal range for a 12-month-old infant. There is no immediate need for interventions such as administering oxygen or notifying the healthcare provider. Reassessing the respiratory rate in 15 minutes is unnecessary as the rate is within normal limits.

3. Why is a prolapsed umbilical cord dangerous?

A. The cord may be wrapped around the baby's neck, causing strangulation.
B. The cord might pull the placenta from the uterine wall during delivery.
C. The baby's head may compress the cord, cutting off its supply of oxygen.
D. The mother may die of hypoxia due to compromised placental blood flow.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A prolapsed umbilical cord is dangerous because the baby's head may compress the cord, cutting off its supply of oxygen. This compression can lead to oxygen deprivation, potentially causing significant harm to the baby. Immediate medical intervention is crucial in such cases to prevent adverse outcomes.

4. When using the Ballard gestational assessment tool on a newborn, which of the following tests should be performed after the first hour of birth, allowing the newborn to recover from the stress of birth?

A. Arm recoil
B. Square window sign
C. Scarf sign
D. Popliteal angle

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Arm recoil. Arm recoil is slower in healthy but fatigued newborns after birth, making it best elicited after the first hour of birth when the baby has had time to recover from the stress of birth. This assessment helps evaluate neuromuscular maturity in newborns and is more accurate when performed after the initial recovery period. The other choices, Square window sign, Scarf sign, and Popliteal angle, are not specifically assessed using the Ballard gestational assessment tool and do not relate to the recovery period after birth.

5. What is the leading cause of death in geriatric patients?

A. Hypertension.
B. Arthritis.
C. Heart disease.
D. Altered mental status.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Heart disease is the leading cause of death in geriatric patients. It encompasses a range of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, such as coronary artery disease and heart failure, which are more prevalent in older individuals. These conditions can lead to serious complications and ultimately result in higher mortality rates among the elderly population. Hypertension (choice A) is a risk factor for heart disease but not the leading cause of death in geriatric patients. Arthritis (choice B) is a chronic condition affecting the joints, not a primary cause of death in this population. Altered mental status (choice D) is a symptom rather than a leading cause of death in geriatric patients.