A nurse is assessing a client who is 3 days postpartum. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

A. Administering broad-spectrum antibiotics is important because a leaking myelomeningocele increases the newborn’s risk for infection, including meningitis. Early prophylactic antibiotic therapy helps prevent serious complications.

B. Cleansing the site with povidone-iodine is not recommended because antiseptics can irritate neural tissue and worsen leakage. The sac should be kept sterile and moist using a saline-soaked sterile dressing instead.

C. Monitoring rectal temperature is contraindicated because rectal manipulation can risk trauma to the myelomeningocele sac. Noninvasive temperature monitoring, such as axillary measurement, is safer.

D. Surgical closure should be performed as soon as possible, ideally within 24–48 hours after birth, rather than waiting 72 hours, to reduce the risk of infection and further neurologic damage.

Leukocytosis: Indication of Worsening Condition - Leukocytosis, an increase in white blood cell count, may indicate an exacerbation of the deep vein thrombosis or the development of an infection.

Redness in the extremity: Indication of Worsening Condition - Redness in the extremity suggests inflammation or worsening of the deep vein thrombosis.

Scant lochia rubra: Indication of Improving Condition - Scant lochia rubra indicates a decrease in postpartum bleeding, which is a positive sign.

Increased warmth in the extremity: Indication of Worsening Condition - Increased warmth in the extremity suggests increased inflammation and may indicate progression of the deep vein thrombosis.

Tachycardia: Indication of Worsening Condition - Tachycardia, an elevated heart rate, can be a sign of worsening condition, possibly due to complications such as pulmonary embolism.

Decreased extremity edema: Indication of Improving Condition - Decreased extremity edema suggests reduced swelling, which is a positive sign indicating improvement in circulation and reduction of fluid accumulation in the affected limb.