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 for Correct Answers:

1. Condition: Mastitis
Mastitis is an infection of the breast tissue that commonly affects breastfeeding women. It often occurs when bacteria (usually Staphylococcus aureus) enter through a cracked or damaged nipple, allowing pathogens to travel into the milk ducts. Symptoms can start with nipple pain and breast tenderness, progressing to flu-like symptoms, localized redness, and fever if untreated.

2. Evidence: Cracked nipple
The client's report of nipple discomfort throughout feeding and visible crack noted on the left nipple are red flags for potential bacterial entry, placing her at high risk for mastitis. Cracked nipples are common in breastfeeding, especially when there is poor latch or prolonged feeding.

Rationale for Incorrect Options:

Endometritis: This is an infection of the uterine lining. However, this client is 2 weeks postpartum, denies abdominal pain, and has normal lochial progression (whitish-yellow discharge = lochia alba). Her uterus is no longer palpable, indicating appropriate involution. No signs of fever, foul-smelling discharge, or uterine tenderness are noted.

Perineal hematoma: This would present with significant perineal pain, swelling, and possibly bluish discoloration. This client reports only mild perineal discomfort (2/10), likely related to normal healing from her episiotomy.

Group B streptococcus: The client tested negative for Group B Streptococcus. Moreover, GBS is not directly related to cracked nipples or mastitis.

Large for gestational age newborn: While the newborn was indeed LGA, this mainly increases the risk for perineal trauma or shoulder dystocia, not directly mastitis.

Rationale:

A. Sore throat: A sore throat may indicate agranulocytosis, a serious adverse effect of clozapine that results in dangerously low white blood cell counts. Early signs include fever, sore throat, and malaise. This requires immediate reporting and evaluation with a complete blood count.

B. Tinnitus: Tinnitus is not a known or common adverse effect of clozapine. While bothersome, it is not typically associated with the hematologic or metabolic risks posed by this antipsychotic medication.

C. Rhinitis: Although rhinitis can occur with many medications, it is not a serious or expected side effect of clozapine requiring urgent attention. Mild nasal symptoms are usually self-limiting and not indicative of life-threatening complications.

D. Headache: Headaches are common and nonspecific symptoms that may result from various causes. Unless severe or persistent, they do not typically indicate a dangerous reaction to clozapine and are not prioritized over signs of infection.