Risk factors
Risk factors ( 4 Questions)
A nurse is caring for a client who has just delivered a baby and is at risk for postpartum hemorrhage.
Which of the following findings should alert the nurse to the possibility of hemorrhage?
A blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg is within the normal range for an adult.
A low blood pressure would indicate postpartum hemorrhage.
This is a sign of hypovolemia (low blood volume) due to excessive blood loss. A normal urine output is at least 60 mL/hour for an adult.
A fundus that is firm and midline indicates that the uterus is contracting well and preventing bleeding. A soft or boggy fundus would indicate uterine atony, the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage.
Lochia rubra with small clots is normal for the first few days after delivery.
Large clots or excessive bleeding would indicate postpartum hemorrhage.
This is a sign of hypovolemia (low blood volume) due to excessive blood loss. A normal urine output is at least 60 mL/hour for an adult.
Choice A is wrong because a blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg is within the normal range for an adult.
A low blood pressure would indicate postpartum hemorrhage.
Choice C is wrong because a fundus that is firm and midline indicates that the uterus is contracting well and preventing bleeding. A soft or boggy fundus would indicate uterine atony, the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage.
Choice D is wrong because lochia rubra with small clots is normal for the first few days after delivery.
Large clots or excessive bleeding would indicate postpartum hemorrhage.