A nurse is making an initial postpartum home visit. Which of the following client statements should the nurse identify as a manifestation of increased risk for child abuse?

The correct answer is choice A. Comparing the client’s current weight with preprocedure weight is the best way to evaluate the effectiveness of the paracentesis, which is a procedure to remove excess fluid from the abdominal cavity. The fluid buildup, or ascites, is a common complication of end-stage liver disease (ESLD), which is a condition in which the liver is severely damaged and cannot function adequately.

Choice B is wrong because examining for leakage at the site of the procedure is not a measure of effectiveness, but a potential complication that should be monitored and reported.

Choice C is wrong because checking the client’s serum albumin levels is not relevant to the paracentesis.

Albumin is a protein that helps maintain fluid balance in the body, but it is not affected by the removal of fluid from the abdomen.

Choice D is wrong because confirming that the client is able to urinate is not related to the paracentesis.

Urination is a function of the kidneys, not the liver, and it does not reflect the amount of fluid removed from the abdomen.

The correct answer is choice B, bradypnea. Bradypnea is abnormally slow breathing, which can be a sign of life-threatening respiratory depression caused by morphine. Respiratory depression is the most serious adverse effect of morphine and can lead to coma and death if not treated promptly. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the child’s respiratory rate and oxygen saturation closely and be prepared to administer naloxone, an opioid antagonist, if needed.

Choice A, euphoria, is wrong because euphoria is a feeling of intense happiness or well-being that is a common side effect of morphine.

Euphoria is not a priority finding and does not indicate a serious complication of morphine.

Choice C, constipation, is wrong because constipation is a common and chronic side effect of morphine that affects the gastrointestinal system.

Constipation can cause discomfort and complications such as bowel obstruction, but it is not a priority finding compared to respiratory depression.

Choice D, sedation, is wrong because sedation is another common side effect of morphine that affects the central nervous system.

Sedation can impair the child’s level of consciousness and ability to respond to stimuli, but it is not as urgent as respiratory depression.