which nursing intervention is most helpful in relieving postpartum uterine contractions or afterpains
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HESI Maternity 55 Questions Quizlet

1. Which intervention is most helpful in relieving postpartum uterine contractions or 'afterpains'?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Lying prone with a pillow on the abdomen is the most helpful intervention in relieving postpartum uterine contractions or 'afterpains.' This position provides counter-pressure and support to the uterus, helping to alleviate discomfort and promote uterine involution. Choice B, using a breast pump, is not effective in relieving afterpains as it focuses on milk expression. Massaging the abdomen (Choice C) may help with discomfort but does not provide the same level of support as lying prone with a pillow. Giving oxytocic medications (Choice D) is not typically the first-line intervention for afterpains unless there are specific medical indications.

2. After a full-term vaginal delivery, a postpartum client's white blood cell count is 15,000/mm3. What action should the nurse take first?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In postpartum clients, a white blood cell count of 15,000/mm3 can be within normal limits due to physiological changes that occur after childbirth. Checking the differential count would provide a more detailed analysis of the specific types of white blood cells present, helping to differentiate between normal postpartum changes and potential infection. This action allows the nurse to gather more information before escalating the situation to the healthcare provider or initiating other assessments. Assessing vital signs and the perineal area are important aspects of postpartum care but may not be the priority in this scenario where the white blood cell count can be influenced by normal physiological changes.

3. The healthcare provider prescribes terbutaline (Brethine) for a client in preterm labor. Before initiating this prescription, it is most important for the LPN/LVN to assess the client for which condition?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Gestational diabetes. Terbutaline (Brethine) is known to cause hyperglycemia, so it is crucial to assess for gestational diabetes before administering it. Assessing for elevated blood pressure (choice B), urinary tract infection (choice C), or swelling in lower extremities (choice D) is not directly related to the potential side effect of terbutaline in causing hyperglycemia.

4. During a newborn assessment, which symptom would indicate respiratory distress if present in a newborn?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Flaring of the nares is a classic sign of respiratory distress in newborns. It indicates that the newborn is working hard to breathe, and immediate attention should be given to assess and address the respiratory status of the infant.

5. The healthcare provider receives a newborn within the first minutes after vaginal delivery and intervenes to establish adequate respirations. What priority issue should the healthcare provider address to ensure the newborn's survival?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Immediately after birth, newborns are at high risk for heat loss, which can lead to cold stress and associated complications. Maintaining thermal regulation is crucial to prevent hypothermia and ensure the newborn's survival. By addressing heat loss as a priority issue, the healthcare provider can help stabilize the newborn's temperature and support overall well-being. Choices B, C, and D are not the priority issues immediately after birth. While fluid balance, bleeding tendencies, and hypoglycemia are important considerations in newborn care, heat loss is the primary concern right after delivery to prevent complications related to thermal regulation.

Similar Questions

One hour after giving birth to an 8-pound infant, a client's lochia rubra has increased from small to large, and her fundus is boggy despite massage. The client's pulse is 84 beats/minute, and blood pressure is 156/96. The healthcare provider prescribes Methergine 0.2 mg IM × 1. What action should the healthcare provider take immediately?
A pregnant woman in the first trimester of pregnancy has hemoglobin of 8.6 g/dl and a hematocrit of 25.1%. What food should the nurse encourage this client to include in her diet?
The client is 24 weeks gestation and reports increased thirst and urination. Which diagnostic test result should the nurse report to the healthcare provider?
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