1. Which nursing intervention is most helpful in relieving postpartum uterine

contractions or "afterpains?"

a. Lying prone with a pillow on the abdomen

b. Using a breast pump

c. Massaging the abdomen

d. Giving oxytocic medications

a. Lying prone with a pillow on the abdomen

Lying prone (A) keeps the fundus contracted and is especially useful with

multiparas, who commonly experience afterpains due to lack of uterine tone.

2. A multigravida client arrives at the labor and delivery unit and tells the nurse

that her bag of water has broken. The nurse identifies the presence of meconium

fluid on the perineum and determines the fetal heart rate is between 140 to 150

beats/minute. What action should the nurse implement next?

a. Complete a sterile vaginal exam

b. Take maternal temperature every 2 hours

c. Prepare for an immediate cesarean birth

d. Obtain sterile suction equipment

a. Complete a sterile vaginal exam

A vaginal exam (A) should be performed after the rupture of membranes to

determine the presence of a prolapsed cord.

3. When explaining "postpartum blues" to a client who is 1 day postpartum, which

symptoms should the nurse include in the teaching plan? (Select all that apply.)

a. Mood swings

b. Panic attacks

c. Tearfulness