Level: Advanced
Difficulty: Hard
Subtopic: Maternal emergencies
NCLEX: A postpartum client on the mother-baby unit is being evaluated for postpartum hemorrhage risk. The nurse reviews…
Maternal-newborn nursing Health Promotion and Maintenance Reduction of Risk Potential
Case Study
A postpartum client on the mother-baby unit is being evaluated for postpartum hemorrhage risk. The nurse reviews this trend: lochia changed from moderate rubra to heavy bleeding with a boggy fundus. Which interpretation and action are most appropriate?
Question
A. Interpret the trend in context, compare it with baseline or benchmarks, and take the safest indicated action.
B. Ignore the trend because one data point can be explained later.
C. Treat a single value without comparing it with baseline, symptoms, or benchmarks.
D. Wait for a critical value or sentinel event before taking any nursing action.
B. Ignore the trend because one data point can be explained later.
C. Treat a single value without comparing it with baseline, symptoms, or benchmarks.
D. Wait for a critical value or sentinel event before taking any nursing action.
Rationale
Correct answer: A. Interpret the trend in context, compare it with baseline or benchmarks, and take the safest indicated action.
Rationale: Trend questions require comparison with baseline, symptoms, risk, and benchmarks. Safe nursing action begins before a preventable event becomes critical.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.
Rationale: Trend questions require comparison with baseline, symptoms, risk, and benchmarks. Safe nursing action begins before a preventable event becomes critical.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.