A nurse is caring for a female client on the postpartum unit.

Based on the 0800 assessment, the nurse should

________

and

________

.

Choice A rationale

Uric acid levels in preeclampsia can be elevated due to decreased renal clearance and increased production, often exceeding the normal range of 2.7 to 7.3 mg/dL. A value of 7.5 mg/dL is slightly elevated, which is a common finding in preeclampsia and does not typically contraindicate the administration of labetalol, an antihypertensive medication. It reflects disease progression but does not pose an immediate risk regarding medication administration.

Choice B rationale

Labetalol is a beta-blocker that reduces heart rate and blood pressure. A heart rate of 54/min is below the normal adult resting heart rate range (typically 60-100 beats/min) and indicates bradycardia. Administering labetalol to a client with pre-existing bradycardia could further depress the heart rate, potentially leading to symptomatic bradycardia, decreased cardiac output, and inadequate tissue perfusion, thus requiring the nurse to withhold the medication.

Choice C rationale

A fetal heart rate (FHR) of 112/min is within the normal range for a fetus (typically 110-160 beats/min). While labetalol can rarely cause fetal bradycardia, a baseline FHR of 112/min does not contraindicate its administration. The primary concern with labetalol in preeclampsia is the maternal hemodynamic response, and this FHR value does not indicate an immediate fetal distress that would preclude the medication.

Choice D rationale

A BUN level of 23 mg/dL is slightly elevated above the normal range of 10 to 20 mg/dL, often seen in preeclampsia due to impaired renal function. While this indicates renal involvement, it does not contraindicate the administration of labetalol. Labetalol is primarily metabolized by the liver, and while caution is advised in renal impairment, this BUN level alone does not warrant withholding the medication.

Choice A rationale

A client with an indwelling urinary catheter is at increased risk for falls due to several factors. The catheter tubing can create a tripping hazard, and the associated bag can restrict mobility. Furthermore, the presence of a catheter can lead to postural hypotension upon ambulation due to prolonged bedrest or fluid shifts, impairing balance and increasing fall risk.

Choice B rationale

A second-degree perineal laceration causes localized pain and discomfort, potentially leading to a cautious gait. While this can affect mobility, it does not inherently present the same level of tripping hazard or systemic physiological changes like orthostatic hypotension that are associated with an indwelling catheter, making the fall risk comparatively lower.

Choice C rationale

Saturating a perineal pad every 5 to 6 hours indicates a normal lochial flow. Excessive bleeding (saturating a pad in less than an hour) would be a significant risk factor for hypovolemia and subsequent orthostatic hypotension, thus increasing fall risk. Normal flow, however, does not directly contribute to an increased fall risk.

Choice D rationale

Breast engorgement causes discomfort and fullness in the breasts, which can limit arm movement and potentially interfere with comfortable positioning. While uncomfortable, breast engorgement itself does not typically lead to systemic physiological changes like orthostatic hypotension or create physical impediments that directly increase the risk of a fall.