Following the shift handoff report on a maternal-newborn unit, the registered nurse prepares to evaluate four assigned clients. Which client requires the nurse's immediate assessment?
- AA client 4 hours post-vaginal delivery who expelled a small clot during fundal massage, resulting in a firm, midline uterus
- BA client 18 hours post-cesarean delivery exhibiting shallow respirations, diminished basilar breath sounds, and an oxygen saturation of 94% on room air
- A client 2 hours post-cesarean delivery who reports new-onset right shoulder pain and demonstrates a narrowing pulse pressureCevap
- DA client 24 hours postpartum with gestational hypertension who reports a mild generalized headache and exhibits 2+ patellar reflexes
Cevap
The client 2 hours post-cesarean delivery who reports new-onset right shoulder pain and demonstrates a narrowing pulse pressure.
This client is exhibiting signs of concealed internal hemorrhage, an acute and life-threatening complication. New-onset right shoulder pain (Kehr's sign) occurs when blood collects in the peritoneal cavity and irritates the phrenic nerve. Additionally, a narrowing pulse pressure is a critical, early compensatory sign of hypovolemic shock as peripheral vasoconstriction attempts to maintain blood pressure. This represents an unstable condition requiring immediate emergency intervention.
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Anahtar Kavram
Prioritization of care based on recognizing early, subtle indicators of internal hemorrhage and hypovolemic shock.