A nurse is caring for a client who is in the latent phase of labor and reports severe back pain.
The vaginal examination reveals that the cervix is dilated 2 cm, 25% effaced, and -2 station.
Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?

- A. Assessing fluid intake every 24 hr is important for a postoperative client, but it is not the priority action. The nurse should monitor fluid intake and output more frequently, such as every 8 hr or every shift, to detect any imbalances or complications.

- B. Ambulating three times a day is beneficial for a postoperative client, but it is not the priority action. The nurse should encourage early and frequent ambulation to promote circulation, prevent thromboembolism, and enhance bowel function, but only after ensuring that the client is stable and has adequate pain control.

- C. Assisting with deep breathing and coughing is the priority action for a postoperative client who had abdominal surgery. The nurse should help the client perform these exercises every 1 to 2 hr to prevent atelectasis, pneumonia, and respiratory failure, which are common and serious complications after abdominal surgery.

- D. Monitoring the incision site for findings of infection is important for a postoperative client, but it is not the priority action. The nurse should inspect the wound for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, drainage, or odor, but this can be done during routine dressing changes or as needed.

• A is correct because facilitating an interdisciplinary conference at the new facility for the family can help address their concerns, provide information about the client's plan of care, and promote continuity of care.
• B is incorrect because referring the client and family to a social worker for assistance and a follow-up meeting is not enough to address their immediate concerns and does not involve other members of the health care team.
• C is incorrect because reassuring the client's family that the same provider will provide care at the new facility may not be true and does not address their specific concerns about the level of care.
• D is incorrect because telling the family that the rehabilitation facility has an excellent client care record is not enough to address their specific concerns and may sound dismissive.