A nurse is attending to an 8-year-old child diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever. What should be the nurse’s immediate priority assessment after admission?

Choice A rationale
The nurse should reassure the patient by informing her about the hospital’s capabilities to handle such situations. The neonatal unit in the hospital is equipped to handle emergencies and care for preterm babies. This response is factual and directly addresses the patient’s concern about the baby’s well-being.
Choice B rationale
While it’s true that everyone worries about their baby when they’re in labor, this response doesn’t directly address the patient’s concern about the baby’s health and well-being. It’s more of a general statement and doesn’t provide the reassurance the patient is seeking.
Choice C rationale
This response acknowledges the patient’s feelings, which is an important aspect of patient care. However, it doesn’t provide any information or reassurance about the baby’s health. The patient is specifically asking about the baby’s well-being, so the response should focus on that.
Choice D rationale
This response could be misleading. While it’s true that the chances of survival for preterm babies improve with each passing week, it’s not guaranteed that a baby born at 32 weeks will be fine. It’s important to provide accurate information and not give false reassurances.

Choice A rationale
Evaluating the firmness of the uterus is the first action the nurse should take when a client’s blood pressure is 60/50 mm Hg after giving birth. A soft or “boggy” uterus can indicate uterine atony, a condition in which the uterus fails to contract after birth. Uterine atony can lead to significant postpartum hemorrhage, which can cause hypotension.
Choice B rationale
Oxygenating by rebreather mask may be necessary if the client shows signs of hypoxia or difficulty breathing, but it is not the first action the nurse should take.
Choice C rationale
Administering oxytocin infusion can stimulate uterine contractions and help control postpartum bleeding. However, the nurse should first assess the firmness of the uterus.
Choice D rationale
Obtaining a type and crossmatch may be necessary if the client needs a blood transfusion, but it is not the first action the nurse should take.