A nurse is administering a 500 mL bolus of lactated Ringer’s for a client who is in labor and has a prescription for spinal anesthesia.
Which of the following findings indicates that the IV bolus was effective?

The correct answer is choice d. Administering broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Choice A rationale:

Cleansing the site with povidone-iodine is not recommended because it can be irritating and potentially harmful to the exposed neural tissue.

Choice B rationale:

Monitoring the rectal temperature every 4 hours is not appropriate as it can increase the risk of infection and trauma to the site. Axillary temperature monitoring is preferred.

Choice C rationale:

Preparing for surgical closure after 72 hours is incorrect. Surgical closure is typically performed within the first 24 to 48 hours to prevent infection and further damage to the neural tissue.

Choice D rationale:

Administering broad-spectrum antibiotics is crucial to prevent infection, especially since the cerebrospinal fluid is leaking, which increases the risk of meningitis and other infections.

Choice A rationale
A previous delivery at 37 weeks gestation does not necessarily indicate a risk for preterm delivery. Preterm delivery is defined as delivery before 37 weeks of gestation.
Choice B rationale
A previous delivery of a newborn weighing 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) does not indicate a risk for preterm delivery. Low birth weight can be a result of preterm delivery, but it can also be due to other factors such as intrauterine growth restriction.
Choice C rationale
A previous reactive non-stress test does not indicate a risk for preterm delivery. A reactive non-stress test is a positive sign of fetal well-being.
Choice D rationale
A previous cervical cerclage indicates a risk for preterm delivery. Cervical cerclage is a procedure performed to prevent preterm birth in women with a history of preterm birth and who have a short cervix.