Question

A woman gave birth to a 7-lb, 6-ounce infant girl 1 hour ago. The birth was vaginal, and the estimated blood loss (EBL) was approximately 1500 mL. When assessing the woman's vital signs, the nurse would be concerned to see:

a. temperature 37.9° C, heart rate 120, respirations 20, blood pressure (BP) 90/50.
b. temperature 37.4° C, heart rate 88, respirations 36, BP 126/68.
c. temperature 38° C, heart rate 80, respirations 16, BP 110/80.
d. temperature 36.8° C, heart rate 60, respirations 18, BP 140/90.

Answer 1

The nurse would be concerned to see vital signs of temperature 37.9° C, heart rate 120, respirations 20, BP 90/50 in the person who gave birth, as these could indicate postpartum hemorrhage and possible shock.

Step-by-step explanation:

A woman gave birth to a 7-lb, 6-ounce infant girl 1 hour ago with an estimated blood loss (EBL) of approximately 1500 mL. When assessing the woman's vital signs, the nurse would be concerned to see: temperature 37.9° C, heart rate 120, respirations 20, blood pressure (BP) 90/50. These signs suggest the possibility of postpartum hemorrhage, where the low blood pressure and high heart rate can be indicators of significant blood loss and possible shock. It is crucial that the nurse addresses this situation immediately to ensure the safety and health of the woman post-delivery.