A nurse is caring for a client who is at 33 weeks of gestation following an amniocentesis.

The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following complications?

The correct answer is choice A. Limit oral feedings to 30 min in length.

This is because infants with heart failure have difficulty feeding and may become exhausted or dyspneic during prolonged feedings. By limiting the feeding time, the nurse can reduce the energy expenditure and caloric needs of the infant.

Choice B is wrong because weighing the infant every other day is not enough to monitor the fluid status and nutritional intake of the infant. The nurse should weigh the infant daily at the same time using the same scale.

Choice C is wrong because placing the infant in the prone position can compromise the respiratory function and increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The nurse should place the infant in a semi-Fowler’s position to facilitate breathing and decrease venous return.

Choice D is wrong because checking the infant’s oxygen saturation every 6 hr is not frequent enough to detect hypoxia or cyanosis. The nurse should monitor the oxygen saturation continuously or at least every 2 hr.

The correct answer is choice B. Determine the client’s knowledge about diaphragm use. This is the first action the nurse should take because it allows the nurse to assess the client’s readiness to learn, identify any knowledge gaps, and tailor the teaching to the client’s needs.

Some of the other choices are wrong because:

• Choice A. Supervise return demonstration of diaphragm use.

This is not the first action the nurse should take because it assumes that the client already knows how to use the diaphragm correctly and safely. The nurse should first teach the client how to insert, remove, and care for the diaphragm before asking for a return demonstration.

• Choice C. Document the client’s level of understanding about potential adverse effects.

This is not the first action the nurse should take because it is part of the evaluation phase of teaching, not the assessment phase. The nurse should first determine what the client knows and needs to know about diaphragm use and its possible risks and benefits.

• Choice D. Teach the client how to insert the diaphragm.

This is not the first action the nurse should take because it is part of the implementation phase of teaching, not the assessment phase. The nurse should first assess the client’s knowledge, motivation, and preferences before providing instruction on how to use the diaphragm.

A contraceptive diaphragm is a birth control device that prevents sperm from entering the uterus.

It is a small, soft silicone or rubber cup with a flexible rim that covers the cervix.

It is inserted into the vagina with spermicide before sex and is held in place by the pelvic muscles. It is a reusable type of contraception that women can use to avoid getting pregnant.