A nurse is caring for a client who is pregnant. The nurse is reviewing the client's medical record.

Exhibits

Select 4 findings that indicate a potential prenatal complication

Rationale:

A. Instruct the client to shower and change their clothes: The client should avoid bathing, showering, changing clothes, eating, or drinking before a forensic examination. These actions can destroy vital evidence needed for legal and medical purposes.

B. Ask the client for details about the assault: While the nurse should provide emotional support and allow the client to speak if they choose, probing for details can be retraumatizing. A trained forensic examiner should conduct this interview in a sensitive and structured manner.

C. Reassure the client that their injuries are not life threatening: While reassurance is important, making assumptions about the severity of injuries can invalidate the client’s emotional trauma. The nurse should focus on safety, stabilization, and support.

D. Limit the number of staff members providing care for the client: Reducing the number of caregivers helps minimize overstimulation, preserves privacy, and creates a sense of control and safety for the client. This trauma-informed approach is essential in early post-assault care.

Rationale:

A. "Maintain the client in a supine position for 24 hours following surgery.": Prolonged supine positioning increases the risk of pulmonary complications such as atelectasis. Early mobilization and elevating the head of the bed help promote lung expansion and reduce postoperative risks.

B. "Expect the client to have a palpable distended bladder following surgery.": A distended bladder is not expected and may indicate urinary retention, a common complication after anesthesia. The nurse should assess and address it promptly, rather than consider it normal.

C. "Report bleeding that saturates the client's dressing.": Active bleeding that saturates a postoperative dressing may indicate hemorrhage and requires immediate intervention. Reporting this finding is critical to prevent further complications like hypovolemia or shock.

D. "Ensure the client's urinary output is no less than 20 mL per hour.": Urine output should be at least 30 mL per hour in adults. A rate below this may indicate hypoperfusion or renal impairment and should prompt further assessment and intervention.