A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing urinary incontinence. Which of the following recommendations should the nurse include in the teaching plan for this client?

Choice C rationale:

Hypotension is a finding that indicates the client is experiencing decreased cardiac output. Excessive vaginal bleeding can lead to hypovolemia, reducing the volume of blood pumped by the heart and resulting in decreased cardiac output. The body responds to hypovolemia and decreased cardiac output by trying to maintain blood pressure, which leads to hypotension.

Choice A rationale:

Bradycardia is not a finding indicating decreased cardiac output in this scenario. While bradycardia (abnormally slow heart rate) can be associated with decreased cardiac output in certain situations, it is not the primary finding in a postpartum client experiencing excessive vaginal bleeding.

Choice B rationale:

A flushed face is not an indicator of decreased cardiac output. A flushed face may result from various factors such as fever or emotional stress, but it is not directly related to cardiac output.

Choice D rationale:

Polyuria (excessive urination) is not an indicator of decreased cardiac output. Polyuria may occur due to factors like diuresis or increased fluid intake but is not directly related to cardiac output in the context of excessive vaginal bleeding.

Choice A rationale:

Fentanyl is an opioid analgesic and is not used to counteract the effects of meperidine in the newborn. Both fentanyl and meperidine are opioids, and using fentanyl in this context would not counteract the effects of meperidine.

Choice B rationale:

Flumazenil is a medication used to reverse the effects of benzodiazepines, not opioids like meperidine. It is not appropriate for countering the effects of meperidine in the newborn.

Choice C rationale:

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that can reverse the effects of opioids like meperidine. When a newborn has been exposed to opioids during labor, such as meperidine given to the mother, there is a risk of respiratory depression in the newborn. Naloxone can quickly reverse this effect and restore normal respiratory function.

Choice D rationale:

Benztropine is an anticholinergic medication used to treat side effects of antipsychotic drugs and is not relevant in this situation. It would not counteract the effects of meperidine on the newborn.