A nurse is caring for a client who is postpartum following a vaginal birth.

Which analgesic medication should the nurse plan to administer and document in the client’s medical record?

Choice A rationale
Decreased extremity edema is a positive sign in a client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) 48 hours postpartum. DVT is a blood clot that forms in a vein deep in the body, often in the lower leg or thigh. Edema, or swelling, is a common symptom. A decrease in edema may indicate that the condition is improving.
Choice B rationale
Redness in the extremity is not a positive sign in a client with DVT1112. Redness can indicate inflammation or infection, which could suggest a worsening of the condition.
Choice C rationale
Leukocytosis, or an increase in the number of white blood cells, is not a positive sign in a client with DVT1112. It can indicate an infection or inflammation, which could suggest a worsening of the condition.
Choice D rationale
Tachycardia, or a fast heart rate, is not a positive sign in a client with DVT1112. It can indicate a response to decreased oxygen levels in the blood, which could suggest a worsening of the condition.

Choice A rationale
Maintaining a low-stimulation environment is recommended for newborns exhibiting clinical findings of NAS56. This can help to reduce symptoms such as irritability and restlessness.
Choice B rationale
Weighing the newborn daily is important in the care of a newborn with NAS56. This can help to monitor the newborn’s growth and development, and any significant changes in weight could indicate a need for further medical intervention.
Choice C rationale
Advising the parent to avoid breastfeeding is not typically recommended for mothers who used opioids prior to pregnancy and were prescribed methadone during pregnancy. In fact, breastfeeding is often encouraged for these mothers, as it can help to reduce the severity of NAS symptoms in the newborn.
Choice D rationale
Avoiding eye contact with the newborn during feeding is not typically recommended as part of the care for a newborn with NAS56. Eye contact can help to promote bonding between the parent and the newborn.
Choice E rationale
The administration of naloxone is not typically recommended for a newborn with NAS56. Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioids, but it is not typically used in the treatment of NAS56.
Choice F rationale
Swaddling the newborn with flexed extremities can help to comfort a newborn with NAS56. This can help to reduce symptoms such as irritability and restlessness.
Choice G rationale
This option is not typically necessary for the management of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). The Ballard score is used to assess gestational age and physical maturity of a newborn, but it is not a routine part of monitoring for NAS.