A nurse is caring for a client who requires oxygen therapy. The client states, "I don't want to wear this mask." Which of the following members of the interprofessional team should the nurse consult?

• Postoperative ileus: Ileus is a common complication after abdominal surgery due to anesthesia, opioid use, and limited mobility. It presents as delayed return of bowel function, marked by absent bowel sounds and abdominal discomfort. In this case, the child has absent bowel sounds and increasing tenderness, supporting this risk.
• Atelectasis: Atelectasis generally presents with diminished breath sounds and hypoxia, not clear breath sounds. Although the child has shallow respirations and is refusing the incentive spirometer, there are no respiratory findings such as decreased oxygen saturation or adventitious breath sounds that support this condition currently.
• Peritonitis: Peritonitis would present with systemic symptoms like fever, severe abdominal pain, rebound tenderness, or signs of sepsis. The child has mild abdominal tenderness and stable vital signs, which do not indicate peritoneal inflammation at this time.
• Urinary retention: This would be characterized by lack of urination, bladder distension, or discomfort—none of which are noted in the scenario. The child’s urinary output and bladder status are not identified as concerns, making this diagnosis unlikely.
• Absent bowel sounds: This is a key clinical sign of ileus. After surgery, bowel activity should return gradually. Continued absence of sounds, especially along with abdominal tenderness, strongly indicates impaired gastrointestinal motility.
• Shallow respirations: While shallow breathing is often a contributing factor to respiratory complications, in the context of abdominal surgery, it also limits diaphragmatic movement, which can further suppress bowel activity and contribute to postoperative ileus.
• Clear breath sounds: This is a normal respiratory finding and does not support the presence of atelectasis or other pulmonary complications. It suggests that lung fields are adequately ventilated despite shallow breathing.
• Intact abdominal dressing: This is an expected postoperative finding and does not support a diagnosis of infection, wound complication, or ileus. It indicates proper surgical wound healing.

A. Initiate an oxytocin IV infusion. Oxytocin may be used to augment labor, but it should not be started immediately without first assessing maternal and fetal well-being. Continuous monitoring is necessary before initiating any uterotonic agent.
B. Apply a fetal heart rate monitor. After rupture of membranes, assessing the fetal heart rate is critical to detect signs of umbilical cord prolapse or fetal distress. Continuous electronic fetal monitoring helps evaluate the baby's response to labor.
C. Initiate fundal massage. Fundal massage is performed after delivery of the placenta to help contract the uterus and reduce postpartum bleeding. It is not appropriate during active labor.
D. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter. A catheter may be placed if necessary during labor, especially before epidural anesthesia, but it is not the immediate priority following membrane rupture. Fetal monitoring takes precedence.