A nurse is assessing a school-age child who has moderate dehydration due to diarrhea and vomiting. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?

Rationale for Correct Choice:

• Endometritis: The client's temperature of 38.2°C (100.8°F), foul-smelling lochia, and tender uterus are classic signs of this infection. The high WBC count of 33,000/mm3 further confirms the presence of a significant infection. The client's history of prolonged rupture of membranes and a cesarean section also increases the risk.
• Uterus and lochia assessment: The specific findings of a tender uterus and foul-smelling lochia are the most direct evidence of a uterine infection. The uterus is the primary site of infection in endometritis, and the lochia (postpartum vaginal discharge) reflects the state of the uterine lining.

Rationale for Incorrect Choices:

• Mastitis: While the client reports firm, warm, and tender breasts, mastitis is usually unilateral and accompanied by localized redness and systemic symptoms like fever. In this case, the fever and uterine findings point more toward uterine infection.
• Pneumonia: Lung sounds are clear but diminished; there are no crackles, wheezing, or other respiratory symptoms such as cough or shortness of breath that would indicate pneumonia. The primary infection source appears obstetric, not pulmonary.
• Lung sounds (breath assessment): Diminished breath sounds alone are insufficient to diagnose pneumonia. The client’s main indicators of infection involve the uterus and lochia rather than respiratory compromise.
• Breast and nipple changes: Though mild breast tenderness is noted, these findings do not account for the systemic symptoms and uterine signs, making mastitis less likely as the primary diagnosis.

A. "A living will is a document that includes my wishes about health care decisions.": A living will is an advance directive that specifies a client’s preferences for medical treatment in situations where they are unable to communicate.

B. "My partner needs to be present as a witness when I sign a living will.": Witness requirements vary by state, and typically a neutral adult, not necessarily a partner, must witness the signing.

C. "My provider will make my health care decisions if I complete advance directives.": Advance directives are intended to communicate the client’s own wishes, not delegate decision-making solely to the provider. The provider’s role is to follow the client’s documented preferences.

D. "Advance directives outline who inherits my material possessions in the event of my death.": Inheritance is addressed in a will, not advance directives. Advance directives focus exclusively on medical and end-of-life care decisions.