A 36-year-old patient who is gravida 5 para 5 (G5P5) was transferred to the postpartum unit 1 hour after delivery of a 9 lb 1 oz (4.1 kg) female.
She was in labor for 25 hours and forceps were used to assist with the delivery.
She was given an epidural for anesthesia that was effective.
The labor and delivery nurse reported that the patient had a 4th degree laceration, and her pain was currently at a 4 on a 0 to 10 pain scale.
Her vital signs were stable.
Based on the assessment data, the nurse recognizes the need to intervene immediately.
Select the 5 priority interventions that the nurse should initiate based on the recent assessment.

D.

Choice A rationale

Administering morphine as prescribed would help to manage the patient’s reported pain.

Choice B rationale

Monitoring the patient’s vital signs is crucial in assessing the patient’s physiological response to the fall and ensuring stability.

Choice C rationale

Applying a cold pack to the affected area can help to reduce swelling and alleviate pain.

Choice D rationale

Arranging for an X-ray of the left shoulder would help to identify any potential fractures or other injuries resulting from the fall.

Choice A rationale

While nausea and vomiting can be side effects of eye surgery, they are not typically associated with acute pain deep within the eye following laser trabeculoplasty. Therefore, administering an antiemetic would not address the client’s primary complaint.

Choice B rationale

Acute pain deep within the eye following laser trabeculoplasty is not a typical postoperative symptom and could indicate a complication such as increased intraocular pressure or inflammation. Therefore, the nurse should report this complaint to the surgeon immediately for further evaluation.

Choice C rationale

While eye shields can help reduce photosensitivity after eye surgery, they would not typically alleviate acute pain deep within the eye. Therefore, this action would not address the client’s primary complaint.

Choice D rationale

While prophylactic antibiotics can help prevent infection after eye surgery, they would not typically alleviate acute pain deep within the eye. Therefore, this action would not address the client’s primary complaint.