A nurse is caring for a client who is 1 hr postpartum.

Nurses' Notes

1200:

Large amount of lochia rubra noted on perineal pad. Fundus boggy at two fingerbreadths above the umbilicus. Oxytocin 20 units being administered via continuous JV infusion.

1215:

Large amount of lochia rubra with several large clots noted. Client reports feeling anxious. Skin cool and clammy. Provider notified.

Select the 6 actions the nurse should take.

Choice A reason:

"Repeat the dose if your child vomits within 1 hour after taking the medication." This statement is incorrect. If a child vomits within 1 hour after taking digoxin, the parents should not repeat the dose. The reason is that the child may have already absorbed a sufficient amount of the medication before vomiting, and an additional dose could lead to digoxin toxicity.

Choice B reason:

"You can add the medication to a half-cup of your child's favourite juice." This statement is incorrect. Adding digoxin to juice or any other food or drink is not recommended. Digoxin should be administered separately and not mixed with food or liquids to ensure accurate dosing and prevent potential interactions with other substances.

Choice C reason:

"Have your child drink a small glass of water after swallowing the medication." This statement is correct. Giving a small glass of water after administering digoxin helps ensure that the medication is fully swallowed and goes into the stomach, reducing the risk of it being retained in the mouth or throat.

Choice D reason:

"Limit your child's potassium intake while she is taking this medication." This statement is not accurate. Digoxin is often prescribed in conjunction with other heart failure medications, some of which may impact potassium levels. However, the parents should not arbitrarily limit the child's potassium intake without specific instructions from the healthcare provider. The healthcare provider will monitor the child's potassium levels and adjust the treatment plan as necessary.

A. Correct. A 6-month-old infant who has croup and an O2 saturation of 92% on room air is at risk of respiratory distress and hypoxia. Croup causes inflammation and narrowing of the upper airway, which can compromise breathing. An O2 saturation of 92% is below the normal range of 95% to 100% and indicates inadequate oxygenation. This child needs immediate assessment and intervention to prevent further deterioration.

B. Incorrect. A 15-year-old adolescent who is 2 hr postoperative following an open reduction and internal fixation of the left ankle and is requesting pain medication has a priority need for pain management, but not as urgent as a child with respiratory compromise. The nurse should assess the adolescent's pain level, administer the prescribed analgesic, and monitor the effectiveness of the medication.

C. Incorrect. A 3-year-old toddler who has gastroenteritis, moderate dehydration, and had two loose bowel movements over the past 24 hr has a potential risk for fluid and electrolyte imbalance, but not as acute as a child with respiratory compromise. The nurse should monitor the toddler's intake and output, vital signs, weight, and skin turgor, and administer oral or intravenous fluids as prescribed.

D. Incorrect. A 10-year-old child who is awaiting surgery for an appendectomy and experienced sudden relief from pain may have a perforated appendix, which can lead to peritonitis and sepsis. However, this child is not as unstable as a child with respiratory compromise. The nurse should notify the surgeon of the change in pain status, monitor the child's vital signs, abdominal assessment, and laboratory results, and prepare the child for surgery.