A nurse is planning postoperative care for a client who is scheduled for a thoracotomy with chest tube placement. Which of the following pieces of equipment should the nurse plan to have at the client's bedside?

A. Attach a dosimeter to the client's gown: A dosimeter measures the radiation dose received by the wearer over a period of time. While healthcare providers and personnel working closely with the client during brachytherapy may wear dosimeters, attaching one to the client's gown is not a standard practice.
B. Strain the client's urine: Straining the client's urine is not directly related to the care required for a client undergoing brachytherapy. The primary focus of care during brachytherapy is to minimize radiation exposure to others and promote the client's comfort and safety.
C. Limit each of the client's visitors to 2 hr per day: While it may be appropriate to limit the duration of visits to reduce the potential radiation exposure of visitors, the specific time limit of 2 hours per day is not standard and should be determined based on individual circumstances and institutional policies.
D. Instruct visitors to stay 1 m (3.3 feet) away from the client: This intervention is appropriate because it helps minimize radiation exposure to visitors. Maintaining distance from the client reduces the risk of radiation exposure to others while still allowing for social interaction and support during the client's treatment.

A. Placental abruption: Placental abruption is characterized by the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall before delivery of the fetus. Sudden, severe abdominal pain, moderate to severe vaginal bleeding, persistent uterine contractions, and uterine rigidity are classic signs and symptoms of placental abruption. Hypotension may occur due to hemorrhage, leading to decreased perfusion to vital organs.
B. Uterine rupture: Uterine rupture involves a tear in the uterine wall, which can lead to severe abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and signs of shock. However, uterine rupture typically occurs during labor or delivery, particularly in women with a history of uterine surgery or trauma.
C. Placenta previa: Placenta previa is characterized by the implantation of the placenta over or near the internal cervical os. It can cause painless vaginal bleeding in the third trimester, particularly after 20 weeks of gestation. However, it is not typically associated with severe abdominal pain or uterine rigidity.
D. Amniotic fluid embolus: An amniotic fluid embolus occurs when amniotic fluid, fetal cells, hair, or other debris enter the maternal circulation, leading to a potentially life-threatening reaction. Symptoms may include sudden dyspnea, hypotension, cardiovascular collapse, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). While it can cause severe complications, the symptoms described in the scenario are more consistent with placental abruption.