Practice Quiz

Maternal Newborn Nursing Certification Practice Test

Category - Physiological

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A nurse is caring for a postpartum client. Which of the following is the earliest sign of excessive blood loss?
  1. A blood pressure change from 130/83 to 126/80
  2. A respiratory rate from 16 to 20 breaths per minute
  3. An increase of pulse rate from 80 to 102 per minute
  4. A temperature of 100.8°F
Explanation
Answer: C - A rising pulse is the earliest sign for blood loss because the heart has to pump faster to compensate for reduced blood volume. The blood pressure decreases with reduced blood volume, but it is not the earliest indicator of hemorrhage. A slight increase in temperature and respiratory rate are expected.
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