A nurse is caring for a newborn who is receiving phototherapy treatment. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Rationale for Correct Choices:

• Intravenous antibiotic: The client exhibits signs of postpartum infection, most consistent with endometritis—elevated WBC count, low-grade fever, uterine tenderness, foul-smelling lochia, and a history of prolonged rupture of membranes and cesarean delivery. IV antibiotics are the first-line treatment to control uterine infection and prevent sepsis.
• Increase in daily fluid intake: Maintaining adequate hydration is essential to support tissue perfusion and aid in the clearance of infection. Fever and elevated WBCs increase metabolic demands, so increased fluid intake can help mitigate dehydration and support antibiotic therapy.

Rationale for Incorrect Choices:

• Kleihauer-Betke test: This test detects fetal-to-maternal hemorrhage, typically used after trauma or suspected placental abruption. It is not indicated in cases of suspected postpartum infection.
• Intrauterine tamponade balloon: This intervention is used for managing postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony or trauma, not infection. The client’s bleeding is moderate and not indicative of uncontrolled hemorrhage.
• Tocolytic medication: Tocolytics are used to suppress premature labor and have no role in postpartum care, especially in the presence of infection, where uterine relaxation could worsen outcomes.

A. Bradypnea: Magnesium sulfate toxicity depresses the central nervous system, leading to respiratory depression such as bradypnea. This is a critical sign requiring immediate intervention, as respiratory rates below 12 breaths per minute can be life-threatening.
B. Tremors: Tremors are typically associated with hypomagnesemia or withdrawal states, not magnesium toxicity. Magnesium toxicity causes muscle weakness and diminished reflexes rather than increased neuromuscular activity.
C. Insomnia: Insomnia is not a recognized symptom of magnesium toxicity. In contrast, elevated magnesium levels tend to cause sedation, lethargy, and decreased mental alertness.
D. Hypertension: Magnesium sulfate can actually lower blood pressure due to its vasodilatory effects. Hypertension would be inconsistent with toxicity and more commonly seen in preeclampsia before magnesium is administered.