A nurse is caring for a client who is postpartum, reports an allergy to aspirin, and states that they are in pain. The nurse should identify which of the following medications as safe to administer to the client?

Choice A reason:

The nurse should not remind the client to void every 4 hours because epidural anesthesia can cause temporary loss of bladder sensation, making it difficult for the client to know when to void. Instead, the nurse should use a bladder scanner to assess for urinary retention and encourage the client to void regularly.

Choice B reason:

Encouraging the client to alternate from side to side every 2 hours is not directly related to the administration of epidural anesthesia. This action is commonly advised for clients who are on bed rest to prevent pressure ulcers and promote circulation. However, it is not specifically necessary for the client receiving epidural anesthesia for pain management during labor.

Choice C reason:

Raising the four side rails on the client's bed is not necessary in this situation. The use of side rails should be based on the client's mobility and risk assessment for falls. If the client is receiving epidural anesthesia, they may experience reduced mobility, but the decision to use side rails should be made on an individual basis, not solely based on the anesthesia.

Choice D reason:

Monitoring the client's blood pressure is a crucial action when a client is receiving epidural anesthesia. Epidural anesthesia can cause a drop in blood pressure, leading to hypotension. By regularly monitoring the client's blood pressure, the nurse can detect any significant changes and take appropriate actions to maintain hemodynamic stability.

Choice A reason:

Washing off the zinc oxide ointment with each diaper change would not be beneficial for the infant's diaper dermatitis. Zinc oxide ointment forms a protective barrier on the skin, and frequent washing could remove this barrier, reducing its effectiveness in promoting healing and protecting the irritated skin.

Choice B reason:

Shaking talcum powder onto the reddened areas is not a suitable approach. Talcum powder can further irritate the skin and worsen the diaper dermatitis. It is best to avoid using talcum powder on an infant's delicate skin.

Choice C reason:

Using a hair dryer, even on the lowest setting, to dry the diaper area is not recommended. The hot air from the hair dryer can be too harsh for the infant's sensitive skin and might exacerbate the irritation. It is safer to let the diaper area air dry naturally or pat it gently with a soft cloth.

Choice D reason:

This is the correct choice. Using moist disposable wipes that are detergent-free is a suitable option for cleaning the infant's diaper area. Detergent-free wipes are gentle on the skin and less likely to cause further irritation. Additionally, keeping the area clean and dry is essential for managing diaper dermatitis, and these wipes can help achieve that without causing harm.