During a home visit, a postpartum patient is complaining of a ...

[DyllonKazuo]

During a home visit, a postpartum patient is complaining of a painful area on one breast. The nurse notes a local area on one breast to be red and warm to touch. For which health problem should the nurse plan care for this patient?
 
  A) Mastitis
  B) Breast cancer
  C) Engorgement
  D) Plugged milk duct

Question 2

A postpartum patient is diagnosed with a vaginal laceration. What intervention will the nurse provide to the patient at this time?
 
  A) Monitor vital signs every 30 minutes.
  B) Insert an indwelling urinary catheter.
  C) Provide stool softeners as prescribed.
  D) Weigh vaginal packing to estimate blood loss.

[kkenney]

Answer to Question 1

A
Feedback:
Mastitis is usually unilateral and the affected breast feels painful, appears swollen, and reddened. The patient is postpartum and is breastfeeding. The nurse has no way of knowing if the patient has breast cancer. Engorgement would affect both breasts equally. Further diagnostic testing would be needed to diagnose a plugged milk duct.

Answer to Question 2

B
Feedback:
An indwelling urinary catheter may be placed following a vaginal repair because the packing causes such pressure on the urethra it can interfere with voiding. Vital signs do not need to be monitored every 30 minutes. Stool softeners are not indicated for this type of laceration. The packing is not removed for 24 to 48 hours.