A nurse is caring for a client who is 2 weeks postpartum.
The client tells the nurse, "I feel really down and sad lately.
I have no energy and I feel like I'm going to cry.”. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Choice A rationale:

To prevent thrombophlebitis in a postpartum client following a cesarean birth, it is important to promote good circulation and prevent stasis of blood in the lower extremities. Placing pillows under the client's knees while she is resting in bed helps elevate the legs slightly and promotes better venous return, reducing the risk of thrombophlebitis. This position facilitates improved circulation and is a recommended practice.

Choice B rationale:

Applying hot moist soaks to the client's lower legs is not a recommended intervention to prevent thrombophlebitis. In fact, heat can increase inflammation and may worsen the condition. This option would not contribute to the client's plan of care for thrombophlebitis prevention.

Choice C rationale:

Assisting the client to ambulate in the hallway is a good practice to prevent thrombophlebitis, but it may not be suitable for a client who is only 1 day postpartum following a cesarean birth. Early ambulation is encouraged but should be done gradually and at the client's own pace to avoid undue stress on the incision site. Placing pillows under the knees while resting in bed is a more appropriate initial intervention.

Choice D rationale:

Keeping the client on bed rest is not the best option for preventing thrombophlebitis in a postpartum client. Immobility can increase the risk of stasis and clot formation. Promoting circulation, such as elevating the legs with pillows, is a more effective strategy to reduce the risk of thrombophlebitis.

Choice C rationale:

The client's blood pressure of 170/101 mm Hg is significantly elevated. This is a systolic blood pressure above 160 mm Hg and a diastolic blood pressure above 110 mm Hg, which is indicative of severe hypertension. Elevated blood pressure during pregnancy can be a sign of preeclampsia, a condition that can have serious consequences for both the mother and the fetus. Therefore, the nurse should report this finding to the provider immediately. Choice C is the correct answer.

Choice D rationale:

Visual disturbances, such as blurred vision, can be an early symptom of preeclampsia. These symptoms, in combination with the elevated blood pressure, are concerning and should be reported to the provider promptly. Visual disturbances can be a sign of central nervous system involvement in preeclampsia. Choice D is the correct answer.

Choice E rationale:

Blood pressure is a vital sign that should be closely monitored during pregnancy. The elevated blood pressure of 170/101 mm Hg is a critical finding and should be reported to the provider immediately. Elevated blood pressure is one of the key diagnostic criteria for preeclampsia. Choice E is the correct answer.

Choice A rationale:

While changes in respiratory rate can be significant, they are not the primary concern in this scenario. The more pressing issues are the elevated blood pressure and visual disturbances, which are strongly indicative of preeclampsia. Choice A is not the most critical finding in this case.

Choice B rationale:

Fetal heart rate (FHR) of 148 is within the normal range for a fetus. FHR monitoring is important, but in this case, the mother's condition and vital signs take precedence due to the potential risks associated with preeclampsia. Choice B is not the most critical finding in this situation.

Choice F rationale:

Deep tendon reflexes are reported as 3+, which can be a sign of hyperreflexia, a neurological symptom associated with preeclampsia. However, the most immediate concerns in this case are the elevated blood pressure, visual disturbances, and signs of preeclampsia. Choice F is not the most critical finding in this context.