A nurse is caring for a client who is 4 days postpartum following a. cesarean birth.

Exhibits

For each potential assessment finding, click to specify if the assessment finding is consistent with mastitis or endometritis.

Each finding may support this more than 1 disease process.

Question 1: The correct answer is Choice A - Stabilize the tube by taping it to the infant’s cheek.

Choice A Rationale: Stabilizing the nasogastric tube by taping it to the infant's cheek is crucial to prevent displacement, which could lead to complications such as misplacement into the respiratory tract or discomfort for the infant. Proper securing ensures the tube remains in the intended position, facilitating the safe and effective delivery of nutrients. This action aligns with standard nursing practices to promote patient safety and comfort during enteral feedings.

Choice B Rationale: Option B suggests positioning the infant in a supine position during feedings, which is incorrect. Placing the infant in a supine position increases the risk of aspiration due to the potential for reflux. Instead, the infant should be positioned upright or semi-upright with the head elevated to minimize the risk of regurgitation and aspiration.

Choice C Rationale: Aspiration of residual fluid from the infant's stomach and discarding it (Option C) is not recommended practice. Aspirated gastric contents should be measured and assessed for volume and color to evaluate gastrointestinal function and potential complications. Discarding the aspirate without evaluation could lead to the oversight of important clinical indicators or abnormalities in the infant's condition.

Choice D Rationale: Microwaving the infant's formula to a temperature of 41°C (105.8°F) (Option D) is an incorrect practice. Heating formula in a microwave can result in uneven temperature distribution, creating hot spots that may cause burns to the infant's delicate oral mucosa or esophagus. The preferred method for warming formula is to use a water bath or bottle warmer to achieve a consistent temperature close to body temperature (around 37°C or 98.6°F).

Choice A rationale:

Give the client protamine if signs of magnesium sulfate toxicity occur. Protamine is not the antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity. Calcium gluconate or calcium chloride is used to counteract the effects of magnesium sulfate toxicity by antagonizing the action of magnesium on the neuromuscular junction and the heart.

Choice B rationale:

Monitor the FHR via Doppler every 30 min. While fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring is important during magnesium sulfate infusion due to the risk of fetal distress, using Doppler every 30 minutes may not provide continuous and accurate monitoring. Continuous electronic fetal monitoring is the standard of care in this situation.

Choice C rationale:

Restrict the client's total fluid intake to 250 mL/hr. Magnesium sulfate is excreted by the kidneys, so maintaining adequate urine output is crucial to prevent magnesium toxicity. Restricting fluid intake to 250 mL/hr would likely reduce urine output, leading to an increased risk of magnesium sulfate accumulation in the body, which could be harmful.

Choice D rationale:

Measure the client's urine output every hour. Monitoring urine output is essential during magnesium sulfate infusion as it helps assess renal function and magnesium excretion. Adequate urine output (at least 30 mL/hr) is necessary to prevent magnesium toxicity. Therefore, measuring the client's urine output every hour is a critical nursing intervention to ensure the safety of the client.