While caring for a postpartum patient who had a vaginal delivery ...

[stephzh]

While caring for a postpartum patient who had a vaginal delivery yesterday, the nurse assesses a firm uterine fundus and a trickle of bright blood. How does the nurse most likely feel and react to this finding?
 
  a. Concerned and reports a probable cervical laceration
  b. Attentive and massages the uterus to expel retained clots
  c. Distressed and reports a possible clotting disorder
  d. Satisfied with the normal early postpartum finding

Question 2

The nurse assesses a positive Homans sign when the patient's leg is flexed and foot sharply dorsiflexed. Where does the patient report that the pain is felt?
 
  a. Groin
  b. Achilles tendon
  c. Top of the foot
  d. Calf of the leg

[snackralk]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
The bright trickle of blood with a firm uterus suggests a cervical laceration.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
A pain in the calf of the leg when the leg is flexed and the foot is dorsiflexed is a positive Homans sign. Homans sign is suggestive of a deep vein thrombosis.