A nurse is caring for a term newborn who is 48 hr old

Exhibits

The nurse assessing the newborn 24 hr later. How should the nurse interpret the findings?

For each finding, click to specify whether the finding is unrelated to the diagnosis, a sign of potential improvement, or a sign of potential worsening condition.

A. The client cleans the perineum with a squeeze bottle after urinating: This action is appropriate for postpartum perineal care. Using a squeeze bottle to cleanse the perineum with warm water after urination helps maintain cleanliness without causing trauma to the area.

B. The client is changing the perineal pad once daily: Changing the perineal pad once daily is not optimal for wound healing. Postpartum perineal wounds require frequent changing of pads to maintain cleanliness, prevent infection, and promote healing.

C. The client is using witch hazel pads on the perineum: Using witch hazel pads is a common practice for postpartum perineal care. Witch hazel has a soothing effect and can help reduce inflammation and discomfort without negatively affecting wound healing.

D. The client's perineal suture line is well-approximated: A well-approximated perineal suture line is a positive finding, indicating that the edges of the wound are properly aligned and closed, which supports the healing process.

A. Restrict daily oral fluid intake: Restricting oral fluid intake is not generally recommended unless there is a specific medical indication. Adequate hydration is important, especially postpartum, and fluid restriction may not be appropriate unless there are specific reasons to do so.

B. Administer an IV bolus of lactated Ringer’s: In a client with preeclampsia without severe features, intravenous fluid bolus administration is not the primary intervention. Fluid management is important, but it is typically done judiciously based on the client's specific needs, not as a routine IV bolus.

C. Obtain a prescription for misoprostol: Misoprostol is a medication that is sometimes used to prevent or treat postpartum hemorrhage but is not a routine intervention for a client with preeclampsia without severe features. The focus in preeclampsia management is on blood pressure control and monitoring for signs of worsening disease.

D. Assess for edema: This is the correct action. Assessing for edema is an important component of monitoring a client with preeclampsia. While edema is a common symptom in pregnancy, excessive or sudden-onset edema may be an indication of worsening preeclampsia.