A nurse in a hospital is caring for a client who is 4 hour postpartum. Which of the following interventions should the nurse first perform after finding that the client's uterus is not firm? (Select All that Apply.)

A) Offering opioids followed by topical treatment:
While opioids can be effective for pain, they are typically reserved for more severe pain and are not the first line of treatment for the moderate pain commonly experienced postpartum, especially after a first-degree laceration. A stepwise approach emphasizes starting with less potent options and progressing as needed, so offering opioids first is not appropriate here.

B) Offering mindfulness only for pain:
While mindfulness and other non-pharmacological techniques can be helpful for pain management, offering only mindfulness as the sole approach may not adequately address the client's pain, especially in the early postpartum period. A stepwise approach typically involves combining pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods to achieve effective pain relief, so relying only on mindfulness is not the most effective strategy for this situation.

C) Giving the highest dose of opioids to make sure to eliminate the pain:
Stepwise pain management involves starting with the least invasive and least potent option, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, and escalating treatment if necessary. Using high doses of opioids first can lead to unnecessary side effects and risks, especially when less potent options would suffice.

D) Starting with ibuprofen for pain management and adding cold therapy for additional relief:
This is an example of a stepwise approach to pain management. Starting with ibuprofen, an NSAID, addresses inflammation and mild to moderate pain effectively, which is appropriate for a first-degree laceration. Cold therapy can be added for additional relief, as it helps reduce swelling and numb the area, which can further reduce discomfort. This combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments follows the principle of starting with less potent options and adding more if needed, making it the best choice.

• Apply petrolatum to penis with each diaper change: Applying petrolatum prevents the healing circumcision site from adhering to the diaper, reducing pain and promoting proper healing.
• Use a diaper barrier cream that contains zinc oxid: Zinc oxide is used for diaper rash treatment but is not routinely necessary. It may interfere with circumcision healing by creating a barrier that retains moisture.
• Use alcohol-based baby wipes on the soiled genital area: Alcohol-based wipes can be too harsh on a newborn’s delicate skin and may cause irritation, especially on the healing circumcision site.
• Fold the diaper below the umbilical cord at all times: Folding the diaper below the umbilical cord keeps the area dry and exposed to air, promoting natural drying and reducing the risk of infection.
• Apply alcohol to the umbilical stump with a diaper change: Alcohol was previously used to dry the cord, but current guidelines recommend keeping it clean and dry, allowing it to fall off naturally.
• Use a soft-bristled brush with mild shampoo to wash the head: A soft-bristled brush helps loosen cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis), preventing buildup of flaky skin without causing irritation.
• Bathe in a shallow warm tub every other day: Full immersion bathing should be avoided until the umbilical cord stump falls off to prevent moisture retention and infection. Sponge baths are recommended instead.
• Cover the hands with socks or sleeves at all times: While covering hands temporarily can prevent scratches, prolonged covering may interfere with newborn sensory development and exploration.
• Apply mildly scented lotion to face as needed: Newborn skin is sensitive, and scented lotions may cause irritation or allergic reactions. If needed, only fragrance-free moisturizers should be used.