Final answer:
Women are at risk of orthostatic hypotension after childbirth, which can cause syncopal spells. Nurses should check blood pressure to assess for this condition and prevent further complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Women often have a syncopal spell on the first ambulation after delivery, which is related to the possibility of orthostatic hypotension; therefore, the nurse should check for c) Hypotension; check blood pressure. After childbirth, women can experience a significant shift in fluid and blood distribution. The loss of blood during delivery, changes in intra-abdominal pressure, and the reduction of uterine size can all lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure when a woman stands up, known as orthostatic hypotension.
It is crucial to ensure that the placenta and fetal membranes are intact to prevent postpartum hemorrhage, which can contribute to decreased blood volume and hypotension. The nurse monitoring blood pressure can help to rapidly diagnose and treat the cause of the syncopal episode, preventing further complications. If orthostatic hypotension is suspected, measures such as ensuring adequate hydration and progressively mobilizing the woman can be helpful to alleviate the symptoms.
The syncopal spell that women often experience on the first ambulation after delivery can be related to hypotension, which is low blood pressure. The nurse should check the woman's blood pressure to assess for hypotension. Low blood pressure can occur due to factors such as blood volume changes and hormonal fluctuations that happen during pregnancy and delivery.