A nurse is conducting a health screening of a school-age child. The nurse should recognize which of the following as a risk factor for child maltreatment?

A. Obtain a brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) test: BNP is a marker of heart failure and is indicated given the client’s new-onset dyspnea, crackles, and S3/S4 heart sounds. Measuring BNP helps assess for possible acute decompensated heart failure following surgery.

B. Obtain a complete blood count: A CBC helps identify infection, anemia, or other hematologic changes that could contribute to dyspnea, tachypnea, or hypoxia in the postoperative client. The client’s fever and tachycardia warrant this assessment.

C. Request respiratory therapy for intubation: Intubation is not immediately indicated as the client is still alert, maintaining oxygen saturation of 92% on supplemental oxygen. Less invasive diagnostics and interventions are prioritized first.

D. Obtain a STAT MRI: MRI is not the first-line diagnostic tool for acute dyspnea and postoperative cardiopulmonary assessment. It is not indicated in emergent evaluation of pulmonary or cardiac complications.

E. Obtain ABGs: Arterial blood gases are important to assess oxygenation, ventilation, and acid-base status given the client’s tachypnea, hypoxemia, and sudden respiratory distress.

F. Prepare the client for cardiac catheterization: Cardiac catheterization is invasive and not the immediate priority. Initial noninvasive assessment should guide the need for further intervention.

G. Obtain a chest x-ray: A chest x-ray is indicated to assess for pulmonary edema, pleural effusion, or other cardiopulmonary complications in a postoperative client presenting with dyspnea, crackles, and hypoxia.

A. Perform bimanual fundal massage: Excessive vaginal bleeding postpartum often indicates uterine atony. Performing a bimanual fundal massage helps stimulate uterine contraction, which can reduce hemorrhage. This is a primary and immediate intervention in postpartum bleeding management.

B. Weigh perineal pads: Weighing pads helps quantify blood loss but does not actively stop hemorrhage. While important for assessment and documentation, it is not the first action when the client is actively bleeding.

C. Initiate oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula: Administering oxygen may support tissue oxygenation but does not address the underlying cause of postpartum hemorrhage. Oxygen is supportive care and should not replace interventions to control bleeding.

D. Administer terbutaline: Terbutaline is a uterine relaxant used to treat preterm labor, which would worsen postpartum bleeding by inhibiting uterine contraction. It is contraindicated in cases of active postpartum hemorrhage.