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.

A. A client who has cellulitis and is receiving oral antibiotics every 8 hr has a mild to moderate infection that can be managed at home with proper wound care and medication adherence. The client does not require hospitalization unless there are signs of systemic infection or complications.

B. A client who is postoperative following an upper endoscopy procedure and is alert but does not have a gag reflex has a high risk of aspiration and airway obstruction due to impaired swallowing function. The client requires close monitoring and intervention until the gag reflex returns, which can take several hours or longer depending on the type and amount of anesthesia used.

C. A mother and their newborn 12 hr postdelivery have not completed the minimum recommended stay of 24 to 48 hours for uncomplicated vaginal deliveries or 72 to 96 hours for cesarean deliveries, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The mother and their newborn require assessment, education, support, and follow-up care to ensure their health and well-being.

D. A client who has lower extremity weakness and is newly admitted for observation has an undiagnosed condition that could indicate a serious neurological or vascular problem, such as stroke, spinal cord injury, or peripheral artery disease. The client requires diagnostic testing, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation to prevent further deterioration or complications.

Choice A reason:

The statement is correct because chickenpox is highly contagious, and visiting someone with active chickenpox can put the pregnant individual at risk of contracting the infection. The recommendation is to avoid contact with individuals who have chickenpox, especially during pregnancy. The correct approach is to stay away from the infected person until they are no longer contagious (which is usually after all the sores have crusted over and dried up).

Choice B reason:

The statement Is incorrect because taking antibiotics for a viral infection is not appropriate, as antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections, not viruses. Using antibiotics inappropriately can lead to antibiotic resistance and other potential side effects. Viral infections are generally managed with supportive care.

Choice C reason:

The statement is incorrect because handwashing is an essential infection prevention measure, but washing hands for 10 seconds with hot water may not be sufficient to remove germs effectively. The recommended duration for handwashing is at least 20 seconds with soap and water.

Choice D reason:

The statement is incorrect because cleaning a cat's litter box during pregnancy is not recommended due to the potential risk of exposure to the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which is found in cat faeces. Toxoplasmosis can cause serious health issues in the developing foetus. It is best for pregnant individuals to avoid cleaning the litter box and have someone else do it or wear gloves and wash hands thoroughly afterward if no one else can do it.