A nurse is caring for a 5-week-old infant who has just returned from a PACU following surgery.

Exhibits

The nurse is planning care for a 5-week-old infant who is postoperative. For each intervention, click to specify if the intervention is expected or unexpected for the infant. There must be at least 1 selection in every row. There does not need to be a selection in every column.

Rationale:

A. Administer a continuous infusion of calcium gluconate: Calcium gluconate is not used for the management of preeclampsia or seizure prophylaxis. Magnesium sulfate is the medication of choice to prevent eclamptic seizures in clients with severe preeclampsia.

B. Place the client in the semi-Fowler's position: Semi-Fowler’s position does not optimize uteroplacental perfusion. Left lateral positioning is preferred to enhance blood flow to the uterus and improve maternal and fetal oxygenation.

C. Ensure bright lighting in the room: Bright lighting can increase stimulation and anxiety, which is not beneficial for a client at risk for seizures. A calm, low-stimulation environment is preferable to minimize seizure triggers.

D. Initiate seizure precautions: Clients with preeclampsia with severe features are at high risk for eclampsia, making seizure precautions essential. These include placing the bed in a low position, padding side rails, having oxygen and suction available, and monitoring closely for neurologic changes.

Rationale:

A. Abdomen: The abdominal skin may be loose due to age-related changes, weight fluctuations, or prior pregnancies, making it less reliable for assessing dehydration in older adults. Lifting skin here may give a false impression of skin turgor.

B. Shoulder: Skin over the shoulder can be affected by aging, sun exposure, or decreased subcutaneous tissue, which can distort the assessment of hydration status. It is not the preferred site for older adults.

C. Neck: The skin of the neck is thin and may show wrinkles or sagging unrelated to hydration. Assessing turgor here is less accurate in older clients and may overestimate skin elasticity changes due to aging.

D. Sternum: The skin over the sternum is relatively less affected by age-related changes and provides a more reliable site for assessing turgor in older adults. Lifting this area allows the nurse to evaluate hydration status more accurately without interference from natural skin laxity elsewhere.