A nurse is collecting data from a client who is postpartum. Which of the following findings should alert the nurse to the possibility of a postpartum complication?

Choice A reason: Encourage the client to nurse more frequently so her milk will come in is incorrect, as this action is not related to the data collected by the nurse. The nurse notes that the client's breasts are soft, which indicates that the milk has not come in yet. This is normal and expected for a client who is 14 hr postpartum, as milk production usually begins around 72 to 96 hr after birth. The nurse should encourage the client to nurse frequently and effectively to stimulate milk production and prevent engorgement.

Choice B reason: Increase IV fluids is incorrect, as this action is not indicated by the data collected by the nurse. The nurse notes that the client's vital signs are within normal limits, except for a slight temperature elevation. Increasing IV fluids can cause fluid overload and electrolyte imbalance in the client. The nurse should maintain the IV fluids at the prescribed rate and monitor the client's intake and output.

Choice C reason: Ask the client to empty her bladder is correct, as this action is indicated by the data collected by the nurse. The nurse notes that the client's fundus is firm but slightly deviated to the right, which suggests bladder distension. A full bladder can interfere with uterine contraction and involution and increase the risk of hemorrhage and infection. The nurse should assist the client to empty their bladder and reassess the fundal position.

Choice D reason: Report the client's temperature elevation is incorrect, as this action is not necessary for a slight temperature elevation in a postpartum client. The nurse notes that the client's temperature is 37.7° C (100° F), which is slightly above normal but within the range of expected findings for a postpartum client. A mild temperature elevation in the first 24 hr after birth can be due to dehydration, exertion, or hormonal changes and does not indicate infection. The nurse should encourage oral fluid intake and monitor the temperature every 4 hr.

Choice A reason: Position the client on her left side is incorrect, as this action is not indicated for a client who has a boggy and displaced fundus. Positioning the client on her left side can enhance uterine blood flow and placental perfusion, but it does not address the cause of uterine atony or bladder distension.

Choice B reason: Encourage the client to perform Kegel exercises is incorrect, as this action is not indicated for a client who has a boggy and displaced fundus. Kegel exercises can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and prevent urinary incontinence, but they do not affect the uterine tone or position.

Choice C reason: Ask the client to rate her pain is incorrect, as this action is not a priority for a client who has a boggy and displaced fundus. Asking the client to rate her pain can provide information about the need for analgesics, but it does not address the risk of hemorrhage or infection due to uterine atony or bladder distension.

Choice D reason: Assist the client to the bathroom to void is correct, as this action can resolve the problem of a boggy and displaced fundus. A boggy and displaced fundus indicates uterine atony and bladder distension, which can interfere with uterine contraction and involution and increase the risk of hemorrhage and infection. The nurse should assist the client to empty their bladder and then massage the fundus until it becomes firm and midline.