Practice Question
A nurse in a clinic is caring for a client who is 3 weeks postpartum following the birth of a healthy newborn. The client reports feeling "down" and sad, having no energy, and wanting to cry. Which of the following is a priority action by the nurse?
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Ask the client if she has considered harming her newborn.
Rationale:
🧠 At 3 weeks postpartum, the client’s description of feeling "down," sad, having no energy, and wanting to cry exceeds typical “baby blues” and aligns with postpartum depression (PPD).
🧠 The priority for the nurse is to assess for signs of postpartum psychosis or suicidal/infanticidal ideation, both of which are psychiatric emergencies.
🧠 Direct questioning such as "Have you thought about harming yourself or the baby?" is clinically appropriate, therapeutic, and ensures immediate safety.
🧠 Delaying this question or assuming a mild emotional state may result in missed diagnosis and potential harm to the client or infant.
🧠 Only after ruling out harm risk should the nurse consider additional steps like psychiatric referral, antidepressants, or support planning.
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This question is from RN ATI Pediatrics Final Exam which contains 62 questions.
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Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: ATI Exam(s)
- Domain: RN ATI Pediatrics
- Answer Choices: 4