A nurse is caring for a client who is in the informal stage of maternal role attainment.

Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of this stage?

The correct answer is choice B. Encourage the client to talk about her feelings and listen empathetically.

This action shows respect for the client’s emotions and helps her process her experience.

It also allows the nurse to provide support and reassurance.

Choice A is wrong because it dismisses the client’s feelings and implies that she should not be upset.

This can make the client feel guilty or invalidated.

Choice C is wrong because it blames the client for having unrealistic and unachievable expectations.

This can make the client feel ashamed or defensive.

Choice D is wrong because it suggests that the client needs professional counselling to cope with her emotions.

This can make the client feel stigmatized or abnormal.

Normal ranges for postpartum emotions vary depending on the individual and the circumstances.

However, some signs of postpartum depression or post-traumatic stress disorder include persistent sadness, anxiety, anger, guilt, flashbacks, nightmares, insomnia, loss of interest, difficulty bonding with the baby, or thoughts of harming oneself or the baby.

These symptoms should be reported to a healthcare provider as soon as possible.

The correct answer is choice C. Ask the patient to void.This is because a full bladder can displace the uterus and interfere with its contraction, which can lead to postpartum hemorrhageThe nurse should assess the patient’s uterus after ensuring that the bladder is empty.

Choice A is wrong because placing the patient on the left side does not affect the uterus assessment.It may help with blood circulation and oxygenation, but it is not necessary before checking the uterus.

Choice B is wrong because assessing the passage of lochia is part of the uterus assessment, not a prerequisite.Lochia is the vaginal discharge after giving birth, containing blood, mucus, and uterine tissueIt has three stages: lochia rubra (red), lochia serosa (pinkish brown), and lochia alba (yellowish white)

Choice D is wrong because administering a dose of oxytocin is not required before assessing the uterus.

Oxytocin is a hormone that stimulates uterine contractions and reduces bleeding.It may be given during or after labor to prevent or treat postpartum hemorrhage, but it is not a routine procedure.