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?

• Endometritis: The client’s symptoms such as general malaise, chills, decreased appetite, elevated temperature, boggy and tender uterus, and foul-smelling lochia suggest that she is most likely experiencing endometritis, an inflammation of the inner lining of the uterus, typically due to infection.
• Actions to take: The nurse should administer the prescribed IV antibiotics to treat the infection. The nurse should also encourage fluid intake to help flush out the bacteria from the body and prevent dehydration.

• Parameters to monitor: The nurse should monitor the client’s temperature to assess for fever, which can be a sign of infection. The nurse should also monitor the amount and odor of the client’s lochia, as changes can indicate worsening infection. If the client’s condition does not improve or worsens, the nurse should notify the healthcare provider immediately.

Choice A rationale
The report of perineal pain as 0 on a scale of 0 to 10 is not directly related to the effectiveness of the IV bolus of lactated Ringer’s. Perineal pain is more associated with the birthing process and not with the administration of IV fluids.
Choice B rationale
Relief of pruritus is not a direct indication of the effectiveness of the IV bolus of lactated Ringer’s. Pruritus, or itching, can be a side effect of certain medications or a symptom of various conditions, but it is not typically associated with the administration of IV fluids.
Choice C rationale

While increased urinary output can be a sign of adequate hydration, it is not the primary indicator of the effectiveness of a bolus of lactated Ringer’s. Urinary output can be influenced by various factors, including kidney function and fluid intake, but a single instance of increased urinary output does not necessarily indicate that the IV bolus was effective.
Choice D rationale
The primary goal of administering a bolus of IV fluids like lactated Ringer’s in a client who is in labor and has a prescription for spinal anesthesia is to maintain or improve the client’s hemodynamic status, which includes maintaining a stable blood pressure. Therefore, a blood pressure reading of 110/70 mm Hg indicates that the IV bolus was effective.