A nurse is caring for a 32-year-old female client in the postpartum unit who had a cesarean birth due to preeclampsia. The client has been prescribed misoprostol.

Exhibits

The nurse is assessing the client 1 hour later. How should the nurse interpret the findings? For each finding, click to specify whether the finding is unrelated to the diagnosis, an indication of potential improvement, or an indication of potential worsening condition.

Choice A rationale
Terbutaline, a medication used to suppress preterm labor, can cause heart palpitations as an adverse effect. This is due to its action as a beta-adrenergic agonist, which can increase heart rate.
Choice B rationale

Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is not a typical adverse effect of terbutaline. Terbutaline is more likely to cause tachycardia, or a fast heart rate.
Choice C rationale
Hot flashes are not a common adverse effect of terbutaline. They are more commonly associated with hormonal changes, such as those that occur during menopause.
Choice D rationale
Shortness of breath is not a typical adverse effect of terbutaline. However, if it occurs, it could indicate a serious condition like pulmonary edema and should be reported immediately.

• Fundus 2 cm above umbilicus: This could be a sign of potential worsening condition as it might indicate uterine atony, a condition in which the uterus fails to contract after the delivery, leading to continuous bleeding.
• Blood pressure 90/60 mm Hg: This could be an indication of potential improvement as it is within the normal range, and lower than the previous reading which was elevated due to preeclampsia.
• Heart rate 110/min: This could be a sign of potential worsening condition as it is slightly elevated, which could be a response to blood loss.
• Continued heavy vaginal bleeding: This could be a sign of potential worsening condition as it might indicate postpartum hemorrhage.
• Client reports feeling dizzy: This could be a sign of potential worsening condition as it might be due to blood loss leading to decreased perfusion to the brain.
• Cloudy urine: This is unrelated to the diagnosis. It could be due to dehydration or a urinary tract infection, but it’s not directly related to preeclampsia or postpartum hemorrhage.