After C-section, which of the following needs monitoring?

Appeared in: NHM MP Staff Nurse-2019

Explanation

After a Cesarean section, the primary goal of monitoring is the early detection of complications like hemorrhage, shock, infection, and respiratory depression.
This option includes all the standard vital signs: Pulse, Blood Pressure (BP), Temperature, and Respiratory Rate.
Crucially, it also includes monitoring for Bleeding Per Vaginum (PV), which is essential for assessing for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality.
This combination of parameters provides a comprehensive assessment of the mother's physiological stability in the immediate postoperative period.

Option B: Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) is not a routine postoperative assessment after a C-section.
Option C: Icterus (jaundice) is not an immediate or routine concern after a C-section.
Option D: Monitoring knee jerk (deep tendon reflexes) is not a routine assessment for all post-C-section patients.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Routine postoperative monitoring following a Cesarean section as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Routine and frequent monitoring after a C-section is a critical nursing responsibility for ensuring patient safety. Early detection of abnormalities allows for prompt intervention and can prevent life-threatening complications.
Postpartum hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal death worldwide. Vigilant monitoring of vital signs and vaginal bleeding is the first line of defense.
What if? If the patient had a history of severe pre-eclampsia and was treated with magnesium sulfate, the correct monitoring would also include checking the knee jerk reflex, in addition to the parameters in the correct option.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: What are the standard, routine monitoring parameters after a C-section?
Evaluate each option as a complete set of assessments.
Option A includes all standard vital signs plus bleeding assessment, which is critical in the postpartum period.
Options B, C, and D each include a parameter (JVP, Icterus, Knee jerk) that is not routine for every post-C-section patient but is reserved for specific conditions.
Eliminate the options that contain non-routine assessments.
Select the option that lists the most comprehensive and universally applicable set of monitoring parameters for a post-C-section patient.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 1 Part 1 p. 113-115

E6 Midwifery Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing Sandeep Kaur p. 1-3

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 6 p. 195-197

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Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.