A nurse in a postpartum clinic is caring for a client who has returned for their 6-week postpartum visit. The client states emphatically, "I hate when the baby cries, and I can't get them to stop." Which of the following statements should the nurse respond with?

A. Persistent repositioning of objects: Repositioning objects frequently is more likely to be related to issues like anxiety or cognitive concerns rather than a hearing deficit. It does not typically indicate a hearing issue.

B. No response to tactile stimuli: No response to tactile stimuli suggests a possible sensory deficit related to touch or neurological concerns, but it does not indicate a hearing deficit. Hearing deficits affect auditory perception, not tactile sensations.

C. Decreased attention span: A decreased attention span can be a sign of hearing impairment, as individuals with hearing deficits may have difficulty following conversations or may become distracted due to not fully engaging with their environment.

D. Presence of expressive aphasia: Expressive aphasia is related to difficulty with speech production and language, typically following neurological events like strokes. It is not directly associated with hearing deficits but rather with language processing.

A. Administer acetaminophen: Acetaminophen is useful for fever, but it does not improve respiratory status. The priority is to promote lung expansion and prevent complications like atelectasis, which is achieved through deep breathing, coughing, and ambulation.

B. Instruct the client to use the incentive spirometer five times per hour: Using the incentive spirometer frequently helps to expand the lungs and reduce the risk of atelectasis, a common postoperative complication. This intervention encourages deep breathing and improves oxygenation, which is essential for the client’s respiratory status.

C. Ambulate the client 30 min after administering analgesia: Ambulation promotes deep breathing and lung expansion, and it helps to mobilize secretions. Administering analgesia before ambulation ensures that the client is comfortable enough to participate in this activity.

D. Encourage the client to cough and breathe deeply: Encouraging deep breathing and coughing helps clear secretions from the lungs and promotes better oxygenation. This helps prevent respiratory complications especially after surgery when lung expansion is compromised.

E. Administer ondansetron: While ondansetron is necessary for controlling nausea, it does not directly improve the client’s respiratory status. However, if nausea is under control, the client may be more willing to participate in activities that promote lung expansion.

F. Administer supplemental oxygen: The current oxygen saturation of 92% is slightly low but not critical. The priority is to improve the client’s respiratory status through physical activity and breathing exercises before considering oxygen supplementation.

G. Encourage the client to splint the abdomen: Splinting the abdomen with a pillow while coughing or deep breathing reduces discomfort, especially after abdominal surgery. This technique helps the client engage in deep breathing and coughing more effectively.