A nurse is caring for a client who had a vaginal birth 2 hr ago and has soaked two perineal pads in the past 30 min. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale:

Having many nodules in the upper outer quadrants of the breasts is a common and expected finding in breast tissue and is not necessarily a cause for concern.

Choice B rationale:

Bilateral breast tenderness with palpation can be a normal finding, especially in young women with hormonal changes. It is not of immediate concern unless it is accompanied by other worrisome symptoms.

Choice C rationale:

Slight differences in breast size are often normal and not necessarily concerning, especially in young women whose breast development may not have fully stabilized.

Choice D rationale:

An irregularly shaped, nontender lump palpable in the breast raises concerns for a potential breast mass or tumor. This finding requires further evaluation and investigation by a healthcare provider to determine its nature and possible malignancy. Early detection of breast abnormalities is crucial for timely management and improved outcomes.

Choice A rationale:

Placing the newborn under a radiant heat warmer is used to prevent cold stress. Newborns are at risk of losing body heat rapidly, and cold stress can lead to various complications, including respiratory distress, hypoglycemia, and metabolic acidosis. The radiant heat warmer helps maintain the baby's body temperature within the normal range, promoting overall stability and reducing the risk of cold-related issues.

Choice B rationale:

The nurse should not choose choice B, "Respiratory depression,” as the action used to prevent. Placing the newborn under a radiant heat warmer does not specifically target respiratory depression. Respiratory depression in newborns may be related to various factors, such as anesthesia exposure during delivery or certain medications, and it requires appropriate monitoring and management rather than just heat regulation.

Choice C rationale:

The nurse should not choose choice C, "Thermogenesis,” as the action used to prevent. Thermogenesis refers to the generation of heat in the body, which is essential for maintaining body temperature. While the radiant heat warmer indirectly supports thermogenesis by preventing heat loss, the main purpose of using the warmer is to prevent cold stress, as stated in choice A.

Choice D rationale:

The nurse should not choose choice D, "Tachycardia,” as the action used to prevent. Tachycardia refers to an abnormally fast heart rate, and the use of a radiant heat warmer does not specifically target this condition. The purpose of the warmer, as explained earlier, is to maintain the baby's body temperature and prevent cold stress, not to address tachycardia.