Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is caring for a client who reports unrelieved episiotomy pain 8 hr following a vaginal birth. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Apply an ice pack to the affected area.
Apply an ice pack to the affected area. Ice packs are recommended during the first 24 hours after birth to decrease swelling and help with pain. Applying an ice pack to the episiotomy site helps reduce swelling and provides pain relief. This is the standard care within the first 24 hours postpartum.
B. Offer a warm sitz bath.
A warm sitz bath is generally recommended after the first 24 hours following birth. It is not the best immediate action for unrelieved pain shortly after delivery.
C. Provide a squeeze bottle of antiseptic solution.
While maintaining cleanliness with a squeeze bottle of antiseptic solution is important for preventing infection, it does not provide the immediate pain relief needed for unrelieved episiotomy pain.
D. Place a hot pack to the perineum.
Heat application, such as placing a hot pack, is not advised within the first 24 hours postpartum because it can increase the risk of swelling and bleeding.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - ATI Maternal Newborn Proctored Exam. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
The correct answer is A. Apply an ice pack to the affected area. Ice packs are recommended during the first 24 hours after birth to decrease swelling and help with pain.
Choice A reason: Applying an ice pack to the episiotomy site helps reduce swelling and provides pain relief. This is the standard care within the first 24 hours postpartum.
Choice B reason: A warm sitz bath is generally recommended after the first 24 hours following birth. It is not the best immediate action for unrelieved pain shortly after delivery.
Choice C reason: While maintaining cleanliness with a squeeze bottle of antiseptic solution is important for preventing infection, it does not provide the immediate pain relief needed for unrelieved episiotomy pain.
Choice D reason: Heat application, such as placing a hot pack, is not advised within the first 24 hours postpartum because it can increase the risk of swelling and bleeding.
Similar Questions
Which of the following would increase a client's risk of ovarian cancer?
A. Multiparity.
Multiparity, or having given birth to multiple children, is associated with a decreased risk of ovarian cancer, not an increased risk. The protective effect may be due to the repeated ovulatory cycles that occur during pregnancy.
B. Endometriosis.
Endometriosis is a condition where endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus. It is associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer. The exact link is not fully understood, but it is believed that the inflammatory and hormonal changes in endometriosis may contribute to cancer development.
C. Under 40 years of age.
Being under 40 years of age does not increase the risk of ovarian cancer. Advanced age is a known risk factor for ovarian cancer, with the highest incidence occurring in women over 60.
D. Use of contraceptive medications.
Use of contraceptive medications, particularly oral contraceptives, has been shown to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. These medications suppress ovulation and decrease the exposure of the ovaries to potential carcinogens.
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Multiparity, or having given birth to multiple children, is associated with a decreased risk of ovarian cancer, not an increased risk. The protective effect may be due to the repeated ovulatory cycles that occur during pregnancy.
Choice B rationale:
Endometriosis is a condition where endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus. It is associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer. The exact link is not fully understood, but it is believed that the inflammatory and hormonal changes in endometriosis may contribute to cancer development.
Choice C rationale:
Being under 40 years of age does not increase the risk of ovarian cancer. Advanced age is a known risk factor for ovarian cancer, with the highest incidence occurring in women over 60.
Choice D rationale:
Use of contraceptive medications, particularly oral contraceptives, has been shown to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. These medications suppress ovulation and decrease the exposure of the ovaries to potential carcinogens.
Prior to an amniocentesis, what action by the client will need to be completed?
A. Empty the bladder.
Before an amniocentesis, it is essential for the client to empty their bladder. A full bladder can interfere with the procedure, as it may obstruct the needle's entry into the uterus and increase the risk of accidental bladder puncture.
B. Nothing by mouth for 4 hours.
Nothing by mouth (NPO) for 4 hours is not necessary for an amniocentesis. It is a relatively simple and quick procedure that does not require fasting.
C. Ingest 3-liters of water.
Ingesting 3 liters of water is not indicated before an amniocentesis. While some ultrasound examinations may require a full bladder, this is not the case for an amniocentesis.
D. Nipple stimulation.
Nipple stimulation is not relevant or necessary before an amniocentesis. Nipple stimulation can trigger uterine contractions, which might be undesirable before the procedure, especially if the client is not in labor.
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Before an amniocentesis, it is essential for the client to empty their bladder. A full bladder can interfere with the procedure, as it may obstruct the needle's entry into the uterus and increase the risk of accidental bladder puncture.
Choice B rationale:
Nothing by mouth (NPO) for 4 hours is not necessary for an amniocentesis. It is a relatively simple and quick procedure that does not require fasting.
Choice C rationale:
Ingesting 3 liters of water is not indicated before an amniocentesis. While some ultrasound examinations may require a full bladder, this is not the case for an amniocentesis.
Choice D rationale:
Nipple stimulation is not relevant or necessary before an amniocentesis. Nipple stimulation can trigger uterine contractions, which might be undesirable before the procedure, especially if the client is not in labor.
The nurse is caring for a client with uncomplicated gestational hypertension. Which are expected findings of the disorder? Select all that apply.
A. Edema.
Edema is not an expected finding of uncomplicated gestational hypertension. While some degree of edema can be common during pregnancy, it is not specifically related to gestational hypertension.
B. BP 155/92.
A blood pressure reading of 155/92 is an expected finding in a client with uncomplicated gestational hypertension. Gestational hypertension is defined as systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg after 20 weeks of pregnancy, without the presence of proteinuria or other organ dysfunction.
C. Proteinuria.
Proteinuria is an expected finding in gestational hypertension. It is an important diagnostic criterion for preeclampsia, which is a severe form of gestational hypertension.
D. Hepatic dysfunction.
Hepatic dysfunction is not an expected finding in uncomplicated gestational hypertension. Hepatic dysfunction would indicate more severe complications such as HELLP syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, Low Platelet count), which is a medical emergency.
E. BP returns to normal after pregnancy.
Blood pressure usually returns to normal after pregnancy in women with uncomplicated gestational hypertension. However, it is essential to monitor the client closely postpartum to ensure blood pressure normalization.
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Edema is not an expected finding of uncomplicated gestational hypertension. While some degree of edema can be common during pregnancy, it is not specifically related to gestational hypertension.
Choice B rationale:
A blood pressure reading of 155/92 is an expected finding in a client with uncomplicated gestational hypertension. Gestational hypertension is defined as systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg after 20 weeks of pregnancy, without the presence of proteinuria or other organ dysfunction.
Choice C rationale:
Proteinuria is an expected finding in gestational hypertension. It is an important diagnostic criterion for preeclampsia, which is a severe form of gestational hypertension.
Choice D rationale:
Hepatic dysfunction is not an expected finding in uncomplicated gestational hypertension. Hepatic dysfunction would indicate more severe complications such as HELLP syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, Low Platelet count), which is a medical emergency.
Choice E rationale:
Blood pressure usually returns to normal after pregnancy in women with uncomplicated gestational hypertension. However, it is essential to monitor the client closely postpartum to ensure blood pressure normalization.