A nurse is caring for a client who is 12 hr postpartum. The nurse recognizes the client is in the dependent, taking-in phase of maternal postpartum adjustment. Which of the following is an expected finding during this period?

Choice A reason: Check the client's temperature every 4 hr is incorrect, as this action is not frequent enough for a client who had an amniotomy. The nurse should check the client's temperature every 2 hr after an amniotomy, as there is an increased risk of infection due to the rupture of membranes. The nurse should also monitor for signs of chorioamnionitis, such as foul-smelling amniotic fluid, maternal tachycardia, or fetal tachycardia.

Choice B reason: Remind the client to bear down with each contraction is incorrect, as this action is not appropriate for a client who is in the active phase of the first stage of labor. The nurse should instruct the client to avoid bearing down or pushing until they are in the second stage of labor, when the cervix is fully dilated and effaced. Bearing down too early can cause cervical edema, lacerations, or exhaustion.

Choice C reason: Maintain the client in the lithotomy position is incorrect, as this action is not optimal for a client who is in the active phase of the first stage of labor. The lithotomy position is a supine position with the legs elevated and abducted, which can reduce blood flow to the uterus and placenta, increase perineal edema, and limit pelvic outlet diameter. The nurse should encourage the client to change positions frequently and use upright or lateral positions that can enhance uterine contractility, fetal descent, and maternal comfort.

Choice D reason: Encourage the client to empty the bladder every 2 hr is correct, as this action can promote labor progress and prevent bladder distension and infection. The nurse should assist the client to void every 2 hr after an amniotomy, as there may be decreased sensation of bladder fullness due to pressure from the fetal head. A full bladder can interfere with uterine contractions, fetal descent, and cervical dilation.

Choice A reason: Swelling in both breasts is incorrect, as this finding does not indicate mastitis. Swelling in both breasts can occur due to engorgement, which is a normal and expected phenomenon in the first few days after birth or when milk production increases. Engorgement can cause breast fullness, tenderness, and warmth, but it does not cause infection or inflammation.

Choice B reason: Cracked and bleeding nipples is incorrect, as this finding does not indicate mastitis. Cracked and bleeding nipples can occur due to poor latch, improper positioning, or excessive suction of the baby. Cracked and bleeding nipples can cause pain, discomfort, and risk of infection, but they do not cause mastitis by themselves.

Choice C reason: Increase in breast milk is incorrect, as this finding does not indicate mastitis. Increase in breast milk can occur due to hormonal changes, frequent breastfeeding, or stimulation of the breasts. Increase in breast milk can cause engorgement, but it does not cause infection or inflammation.

Choice D reason: Red and painful area in one breast is correct, as this finding indicates mastitis. Mastitis is an infection and inflammation of the breast tissue that usually affects one breast at a time. Mastitis can cause redness, pain, swelling, warmth, and fever in the affected breast. Mastitis can occur due to blocked milk ducts, bacterial invasion, or poor hygiene. The nurse should advise the client to continue breastfeeding or pumping, apply warm compresses, massage the breast gently, and take antibiotics as prescribed.