1. A nurse is assessing a postpartum client who delivered vaginally 8 hr ago.

Exhibit 1

Nurses' Notes

0700:

Breasts soft, nipples intact. Uterus palpated firm, midline, and at level of umbilicus. Moderate amount of lochia rubra. Episiotomy site well approximated with mild edema and ecchymosis. Client reports pain as 2 on a scale of 0 to 10. Able to void spontaneously; no bladder distention. Deep tendon reflexes 1+. Peripheral edema 2+ in bilateral lower extremities.

1100:

Breasts soft, nipples intact. Uterus palpated soft with lateral deviation and 1 cm above the umbilicus. Large amount of lochia rubra. Episiotomy site well approximated with mild edema and ecchymosis. Client reports pain as 3 on a scale of 0 to 10. Deep tendon reflexes 1+ Peripheral edema 2+ in bilateral lower extremities.

Exhibit 2

0700:

Temperature 36.2" C (97.2" F) Pulse rate 80/min

Respiratory rate 16/min

Blood pressure 136/82 mm Hg

Pulse oximetry 99%

1100:

Temperature 37.2° C (99.0° F)

Pulse rate 85/min

Respiratory rate 18/min

Blood pressure 136/86 mm Hg

Pulse oximetry 100%

Select the 3 findings that require immediate follow-up.

A. Uterine tone soft:A soft uterus can indicate inadequate uterine contraction, which may increase the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. The uterus should be firm and well-contracted after delivery.

B. Blood pressure 136/86 mm Hg:
A blood pressure of 136/86 mm Hg is within the normal range for a postpartum client. While changes in blood pressure should be monitored, this reading alone does not indicate an urgent need for follow-up.

C. Peripheral edema 2+ bilateral lower extremities:
Peripheral edema is a common finding in the postpartum period and is often attributed to fluid shifts and hormonal changes. While it should be monitored, it does not typically require immediate follow-up unless it is severe or associated with other symptoms.

D. Large amount of lochia rubra: While lochia rubra is normal in the first few days postpartum, a large amount could indicate potential bleeding issues or complications if it increases significantly.

E. Pain rating of 3 on a scale of 0 to 10:
A pain rating of 3 on a scale of 0 to 10 is relatively mild and may be expected after a vaginal delivery, especially if the client has undergone an episiotomy. It should be addressed but does not require immediate follow-up unless it worsens or is associated with other concerning symptoms.

F. Breasts soft:
Soft breasts are expected in the early postpartum period, particularly if the client is not breastfeeding or if breastfeeding has not yet been established. However, breastfeeding assessment and support should be provided as part of routine postpartum care.

G. Lateral deviation of the uterus:The uterus should be midline and firm. A lateral deviation could suggest a full bladder or other complications that need to be addressed to prevent further issues such as postpartum hemorrhage.

H. Deep tendon reflexes 1+:
Deep tendon reflexes of 1+ are within the normal range and do not typically require immediate follow-up unless they are absent or hyperactive, which may indicate neurological issues.

A. Perform fetal scalp stimulation:

Fetal scalp stimulation involves applying pressure to the fetal scalp during a vaginal examination to elicit a response from the fetus, such as an acceleration of the fetal heart rate. While this can provide additional information about fetal well-being, it is not the initial priority when late decelerations are observed on the fetal monitor. The focus should first be on interventions aimed at improving fetal oxygenation to address the underlying cause of the late decelerations.

B. Administer oxygen via a face mask:

Administering oxygen to the mother is a priority intervention when late decelerations of the fetal heart rate are observed on the external fetal monitor. Late decelerations often indicate uteroplacental insufficiency, where the fetus is not receiving adequate oxygenation. Administering oxygen to the mother helps increase oxygen levels in her blood, improving oxygen delivery to the fetus and potentially mitigating the effects of uteroplacental insufficiency.

C. Elevate the client's head:

Elevating the client's head is not indicated when late decelerations are observed. This position could potentially compromise maternal-fetal circulation by reducing blood flow to the placenta. Maintaining a side-lying or semi-Fowler's position is often recommended to improve blood flow to the placenta and enhance fetal oxygenation.

D. Decrease the rate of IV fluids:

Adjusting the rate of IV fluids may be considered in some situations, such as if there is evidence of fluid overload or if the mother is receiving excessive amounts of IV fluids. However, it is not typically the initial intervention for addressing late decelerations. The focus should first be on interventions aimed at improving maternal-fetal oxygenation, such as administering oxygen and positioning the client appropriately.