A nurse is caring for a client who is postpartum, has a deep-vein thrombosis, and is receiving heparin therapy via subcutaneous injections. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

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:

Edema is not an expected finding of uncomplicated gestational hypertension. While some degree of edema can be common during pregnancy, it is not specifically related to gestational hypertension.

Choice B rationale:

A blood pressure reading of 155/92 is an expected finding in a client with uncomplicated gestational hypertension. Gestational hypertension is defined as systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg after 20 weeks of pregnancy, without the presence of proteinuria or other organ dysfunction.

Choice C rationale:

Proteinuria is an expected finding in gestational hypertension. It is an important diagnostic criterion for preeclampsia, which is a severe form of gestational hypertension.

Choice D rationale:

Hepatic dysfunction is not an expected finding in uncomplicated gestational hypertension. Hepatic dysfunction would indicate more severe complications such as HELLP syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, Low Platelet count), which is a medical emergency.

Choice E rationale:

Blood pressure usually returns to normal after pregnancy in women with uncomplicated gestational hypertension. However, it is essential to monitor the client closely postpartum to ensure blood pressure normalization.