A postnatal woman has a temperature of 38.5°C, pulse 112 beats per minute and feels faint. Her vaginal bleeding is not heavy. Which nursing action is the priority?

Correct answer: B. Assess her airway, breathing and circulation immediately

  • A. Offer a warm drink and allow her to rest
  • B. Assess her airway, breathing and circulation immediately
  • C. Encourage her to walk to improve uterine drainage
  • D. Teach routine perineal hygiene before further assessment

Explanation

Faintness with fever and tachycardia may indicate serious infection, sepsis or circulatory compromise. The priority is immediate assessment of airway, breathing and circulation, followed by urgent escalation. Comfort measures and routine teaching must not delay assessment of an unstable woman.

Submitted by a TestUstad contributor and published by the TestUstad editorial teamLast updated
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Maternal postnatal care assesses uterine involution, lochia, perineal healing, bladder and bowel function, vital signs, emotional wellbeing and signs of puerperal infection or haemorrhage. Breastfeeding covers colostrum, milk production, positioning and attachment, feeding frequency, common difficulties and the distinction between normal breast changes and mastitis.

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