A nurse in a medical-surgical unit is caring for a clent

Exhibits

Complete the following sentence by using the lists of options.

The nurse should first address the

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followed by the client

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.

Rationale:

A. "Manually expressing my milk will decrease my milk supply": Milk supply is maintained by frequent emptying of the breast. Manual expression, like breastfeeding or pumping, actually stimulates continued milk production through the supply-and-demand mechanism.

B. "After 5 to 10 minutes when the breasts emptied, my baby should be removed from the breast”: Infants should not be removed from the breast based on time alone. Breastfeeding duration varies, and babies should be allowed to nurse until they release the breast or show signs of fullness.

C. "The more my baby is at the breast sucking, the more milk I will produce”: Milk production is driven by infant demand. Frequent suckling stimulates prolactin release, encouraging ongoing milk synthesis and maintaining an adequate supply.

D. "My baby should always start on the same breast when feeding”: Breastfeeding should be alternated between breasts to promote equal milk production and prevent engorgement. Starting on the same breast consistently may lead to uneven milk supply.

Rationale for Correct Choices:

• Antibiotic prescription: The client is showing signs of a possible postoperative wound infection (fever, elevated WBC count, purulent discharge, tenderness), all of which warrant initiation of antibiotics to control local and systemic infection.
• WBC count: The WBC has increased significantly from 8,000/mm³ on day 1 to 14,800/mm³ by day 3, indicating a developing infectious or inflammatory process likely related to the surgical site.
• Temperature: The temperature has risen to 38.8°C (101.8°F) by day 3, suggesting a febrile response to infection, which aligns with the findings of purulent wound drainage and local tenderness.

Rationale for Incorrect Choices:

• Laxative: Although the client hasn’t had a bowel movement, this is expected early in the postoperative period, especially with hypoactive bowel sounds. Laxatives are contraindicated until full bowel function returns.
• IV fluids: There is no evidence of fluid volume deficit skin turgor is normal, and vital signs are stable making IV fluids unnecessary at this time.
• Prescription for IV iron: While hemoglobin is low, there is no evidence of acute blood loss, and infection is the more urgent concern. Iron supplementation would be a longer-term consideration.
• Bowel sounds: Hypoactive bowel sounds are common after abdominal surgery and not in themselves a reason to start antibiotics.
• Blood pressure: Client's BP is stable and within acceptable range; it does not indicate infection or require antibiotic treatment.
• Skin turgor: Normal skin turgor suggests hydration is adequate, not an indication for antibiotic use.
• Transferrin level: While slightly decreased, this is a nonspecific finding and not indicative of acute infection or requiring antibiotics.
• Bowel movements: Absence of bowel movement alone post-surgery does not justify antibiotics; infection indicators are more critical.