A nurse is caring for a client who is pregnant.

Nurses' Notes 1000:

The client reports repeated episodes of vomiting and two episodes of diarrhea in past 24 hr. Client is at 18 weeks of gestation and reports a history of nausea and vomiting for the past 12 weeks.

1015:

IV fluids initiated. Prochlorperazine administered via intermittent IV bolus.

1100:

Client reports improvement in nausea. Ice chips provided. Client voided 50 mL of dark yellow urine.

The nurse is providing discharge teaching to the client.

For each discharge instruction, specify if each action is recommended or contraindicated for the client.

Choice A rationale:

Irritability is a common withdrawal symptom in newborns exposed to cocaine during pregnancy. Cocaine exposure can lead to irritability, restlessness, and difficulty in consoling the newborn.

Choice B rationale:

Hypotonicity, or decreased muscle tone, is not a common finding associated with cocaine exposure in newborns. Cocaine exposure more commonly results in hypertonicity, where the muscles are tense and rigid.

Choice C rationale:

Decreased auditory startle response is not a typical finding associated with cocaine exposure. Newborns exposed to cocaine may have an exaggerated startle response, which is the opposite of the expected finding in this case.

Choice D rationale:

Increased head circumference is not a characteristic finding associated with cocaine exposure. Cocaine exposure is more likely to cause growth restriction, low birth weight, and microcephaly (small head size) in newborns.

Initiate transmission-based precautions.

Rationale:

1. B- Encouraging oral fluids is an important intervention for a child who has a fever, as it helps prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. However, it is not the priority intervention, as it does not address the risk of infection transmission to other clients or staff.
2. A - Applying topical calamine lotion may help soothe the itching and discomfort caused by the vesicles, but it is not the priority intervention, as it does not prevent infection transmission or treat the underlying cause of the fever.
3. C - Administering acetaminophen as an antipyretic may help reduce the fever and provide symptomatic relief for the child, but it is not the priority intervention, as it does not prevent infection transmission or treat the underlying cause of the fever.
4. D - Initiating transmission-based precautions is the priority intervention, as it protects other clients and staff from exposure to the infectious agent that causes the vesicles and fever. The nurse should wear gloves, gown, mask, and eye protection when caring for the child, and place them in a private room or cohort them with other clients who have similar symptoms.