Obstetric Nurse Test Obstetric Nurse Postpartum Complications 3

Question 1

A postpartum patient who delivered 48 hours ago has a temperature of 38.1°C taken once. What is the nurse's BEST initial action?

Accepted Answer

Encourage fluids, reassess in 4 hours, and notify provider if fever persists or rises

Answer

A single low-grade fever within the first 24 hours after delivery is common; persistent or higher fever warrants investigation for infection.

Question 2

On postpartum day 6, a patient reports soaking more than one pad per hour for the past 2 hours with passage of large clots. This presentation is MOST consistent with:

Accepted Answer

Secondary postpartum hemorrhage

Answer

Excessive bleeding with clots after 24 hours and up to 12 weeks postpartum is classified as secondary (late) postpartum hemorrhage, often caused by subinvolution or retained products.

Question 3

A postpartum patient with preeclampsia is receiving IV magnesium sulfate. Which assessment finding requires the nurse to HOLD the infusion and call the provider?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory rate of 10 breaths/min

Answer

Respiratory depression (RR <12) indicates magnesium toxicity and requires holding the infusion; calcium gluconate should be at bedside.

Question 4

Which postpartum patient is at HIGHEST risk for a pulmonary embolism?

Accepted Answer

A 38-year-old with obesity, cesarean delivery, and a history of DVT

Answer

Advanced maternal age, obesity, cesarean delivery, and prior DVT are cumulative risk factors for postpartum pulmonary embolism.

Question 5

A postpartum patient with a third-degree perineal laceration reports inability to control gas or stool. The nurse should document this as:

Accepted Answer

Fecal incontinence warranting provider notification and referral

Answer

Third-degree lacerations involve the anal sphincter, and fecal or flatus incontinence indicates sphincter dysfunction requiring evaluation and possible referral to a colorectal specialist.

Obstetric Nurse Test Practice Test

Obstetric Nurse Test Practice Test

Obstetric Nurse Test Obstetric Nurse Postpartum Complications 3