A client at 33 weeks' gestation calls the healthcare provider's ...

[crazycityslicker]

A client at 33 weeks' gestation calls the healthcare provider's office and reports she was attempting to nap when she became dizzy and felt faint. Which assessment data is the priority in this situation?
 
  1. The position the client was in during the nap period.
  2. Dietary intake prior to the episode.
  3. History of hyperemesis.
  4. No additional data as this appears to be an isolated incident.

Question 2

The nurse is assessing a postpartum client and notes the peri-pad has whitish-yellow discharge. Which term will the nurse use when documenting this finding in the medical record?
 
  1. Postpartal bleeding.
  2. Lochia rubra.
  3. Lochia serosa.
  4. Lochia alba.

[wilsonbho]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
The client has most likely experienced an episode of supine hypotension. This is caused by compression on the aorta and the inferior vena cava by the pregnant uterus. This is a common occurrence when the client is in the supine position. Dietary factors and the presence of hyperemesis are not implicated in this client's scenario. The nurse must investigate the complaints to ensure client safety.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 4
The uterine lining, or endometrium, returns to the nonpregnant state through the process of a postpartum vaginal discharge called lochia. The initial lochia rubra contains blood from the placental site, amniotic membrane, cells from the decidua basalis, vernix, and lanugo from the infant's skin, and meconium. It is dark red and has a fleshy odor, and lasts anywhere from 2 days to 18 days. Next the discharge becomes pinkish and is called lochia serosa. It is composed of blood, placental site exudates, erythrocytes, leukocytes, cervical mucus, microorganisms, and decidua, and lasts approximately a week. Finally, the discharge becomes whitish-yellow, lochia alba, and is composed of leukocytes, mucus, bacteria, epithelial cells, and decidua. Most females will have vaginal discharge from 10 days to 5 or 6 weeks. To refer to the discharge simply as postpartal bleeding does not provide an adequate description.