More questions on this topic
More questions on this topic ( 15 Questions)
A nurse is caring for a client who has just delivered her second twin vaginally and notes that there is excessive bleeding from her vagina and that her uterus feels boggy on palpation.
The nurse should suspect which of the following complications?
Uterine atony is the failure of the uterus to contract and retract after delivery, which can lead to excessive bleeding and hemorrhage. A boggy uterus on palpation is a sign of uterine atony.
It is a rare complication in which the uterus turns inside out and protrudes through the cervix. It usually causes severe pain, shock, and hemorrhage.
It is a life-threatening emergency in which the uterus tears open along the scar line of a previous cesarean delivery or other uterine surgery. It usually causes severe abdominal pain, fetal distress, and maternal hypovolemic shock.
It is an inflammation of the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) caused by bacteria. It usually causes fever, foul-smelling lochia, and lower abdominal tenderness.
The correct answer is choice A. Uterine atony.
Uterine atony is the failure of the uterus to contract and retract after delivery, which can lead to excessive bleeding and hemorrhage. A boggy uterus on palpation is a sign of uterine atony.
Choice B. Uterine inversion is wrong because it is a rare complication in which the uterus turns inside out and protrudes through the cervix. It usually causes severe pain, shock, and hemorrhage.
Choice C. Uterine rupture is wrong because it is a life-threatening emergency in which the uterus tears open along the scar line of a previous cesarean delivery or other uterine surgery. It usually causes severe abdominal pain, fetal distress, and maternal hypovolemic shock.
Choice D. Uterine infection is wrong because it is an inflammation of the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) caused by bacteria. It usually causes fever, foul-smelling lochia, and lower abdominal tenderness.
Normal ranges for postpartum bleeding are about 500 ml for vaginal delivery and 1000 ml for cesarean delivery. The uterus should feel firm and midline at or below the umbilicus after delivery.
