A nurse is caring for a client admitted for alcohol use disorder who reports using alcohol to deal with stress. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to assist the client in maintaining self-control of the behavior?

A. Observe the client's range of movement: While monitoring physical status is important, mechanical restraints restrict movement, so assessing the client’s psychological triggers and safety is higher priority to prevent further aggression.

B. Identify stressors that caused the client's aggression: Understanding and addressing the factors that led to aggressive behavior is essential while the client is in restraints. This assessment helps in developing strategies to reduce agitation and prevent future episodes.

C. Hold a critical incident debriefing about the client: Debriefing is conducted after the event to support staff and evaluate interventions. It is not performed while the client is actively restrained.

D. Maintain sensory stimulation for the client: Providing excessive sensory stimulation during restraint can increase agitation and risk of injury. The focus should be on calming the client and ensuring safety rather than maintaining stimulation.

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.