A nurse is caring for a client who has a newly created colostomy. The client's partner tells the nurse that the client refuses to look at the stoma. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Rationale:

A. Initiate contact precautions: Endometritis is not typically caused by a pathogen requiring contact precautions (like MRSA or C. difficile). Standard precautions are sufficient unless otherwise indicated.

B. Inform the client she will need to formula feed her newborn until she has received antibiotics for 24 hr: The prescribed antibiotics (e.g., clindamycin) are generally considered safe for breastfeeding, and lactation should be encouraged unless specifically contraindicated.

C. Monitor the height and tone of the client's fundus: Fundal tenderness, foul-smelling lochia, and fever are signs of endometritis. Ongoing fundal assessment is important to evaluate uterine involution and identify potential complications like subinvolution or abscess formation.

D. Request a prescription for terbutaline from the provider: Terbutaline is a tocolytic used to relax the uterus in cases of hyperstimulation during labor not for treating uterine infection or postpartum discomfort.

E. Obtain a culture specimen of the lochia from the client's perineal pad using a sterile swab: Culturing lochia helps identify the causative organism of the uterine infection and guide antibiotic therapy. This is a standard step in suspected endometritis cases.

F. Encourage the client to maintain a semi-Fowler's position to enhance uterine drainage: Positioning the client with the head elevated allows for better lochia drainage, preventing accumulation that could worsen infection or discomfort.

G. Instruct the client to wash her hands before and after changing her perineal pad: Good perineal hygiene helps prevent the spread of infection and supports recovery, especially in the context of suspected endometritis.

Rationale:

A. "Maintain the client in a supine position for 24 hours following surgery.": Prolonged supine positioning increases the risk of pulmonary complications such as atelectasis. Early mobilization and elevating the head of the bed help promote lung expansion and reduce postoperative risks.

B. "Expect the client to have a palpable distended bladder following surgery.": A distended bladder is not expected and may indicate urinary retention, a common complication after anesthesia. The nurse should assess and address it promptly, rather than consider it normal.

C. "Report bleeding that saturates the client's dressing.": Active bleeding that saturates a postoperative dressing may indicate hemorrhage and requires immediate intervention. Reporting this finding is critical to prevent further complications like hypovolemia or shock.

D. "Ensure the client's urinary output is no less than 20 mL per hour.": Urine output should be at least 30 mL per hour in adults. A rate below this may indicate hypoperfusion or renal impairment and should prompt further assessment and intervention.