A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who is on isolation for an infection with vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE). Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent the spread of infection?

A. "I really wish I had a girl instead.": Expressing disappointment in the baby's gender may indicate difficulty bonding with the infant or potential postpartum emotional concerns. This statement warrants further evaluation to assess for postpartum depression or attachment issues.

B. "I am so relieved the baby looks like my mother.": Feeling relieved that the baby resembles a family member is a normal emotional reaction and does not typically require further psychological evaluation unless associated with more concerning behaviors.

C. "My labor was so long I'm glad it's over.": Expressing relief after a long labor is a normal reaction and does not indicate emotional distress or dysfunction that would need further mental health evaluation.

D. "My appetite has really increased.": An increased appetite two weeks postpartum is a normal physiological response as the body recovers from childbirth, particularly if the client is breastfeeding. It does not suggest a need for further emotional or physical evaluation.

• Weight: The client has gained over 1 kg (about 2.2 lb) within a week, suggesting fluid retention. In combination with crackles, edema, and cardiomegaly, this weight gain indicates worsening heart failure and requires prompt intervention to manage fluid overload.
• Potassium: A potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L is at the lower limit of normal. While it should be monitored, it does not independently demand immediate action unless it trends lower or the client shows symptoms of hypokalemia.
• Pedal pulses: Pedal pulses have decreased from 2+ to 1+, and the extremities are now cool. These changes suggest compromised peripheral circulation, likely related to decreased cardiac output, and warrant further assessment and management.
• Temperature: The client’s temperature is within the normal range. There are no signs of fever or hypothermia, so this finding does not require immediate action based on the current clinical data.
• Orientation: The client remains alert and oriented, with no noted decline in mental status. Therefore, orientation findings are stable and do not necessitate further immediate intervention.
• Chest x-ray: The presence of cardiomegaly on chest x-ray suggests worsening heart failure or fluid overload. This finding is significant and requires timely medical evaluation and management to prevent further cardiac decompensation.
• Urine output: The client’s urine output has drastically decreased from 520 mL/hr to 160 mL in 8 hours, indicating impaired renal perfusion or acute kidney injury. This is a critical finding and requires immediate provider notification and intervention.