A nurse is positioning a client for a cesarean birth.

To prevent a compromise in placental blood flow during the intraoperative period, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A reason

The client is observed displaying a shuffling gait while walking in the hall is the correct answer. The nurse should recognize that observing a shuffling gait in a client who is taking antipsychotic medication is an adverse effect that must be reported to the healthcare provider. A shuffling gait is a movement disorder known as parkinsonism, which can be a side effect of some antipsychotic medications, particularly first-generation or typical antipsychotics.

Parkinsonism includes symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease, such as a shuffling walk, muscle stiffness, tremors, and difficulty with balance and coordination. It can occur as a result of blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, leading to an imbalance in dopamine levels.

Choice B reason:

The client mumbling quietly while alone is not correct because in the day room may be related to the symptoms of schizophrenia, and it does not indicate an adverse effect of the antipsychotic medication.

Choice C reason:

The client feeling light-headed when standing up quickly is not correct and it may be related to postural hypotension, which can be a side effect of some antipsychotic medications. While it should be monitored and reported if persistent or severe, it is not as urgent as reporting a shuffling gait.

Choice D reason:

The client stating that being in the sun hurts their eyes does not necessarily indicate an adverse effect of the antipsychotic medication. It may be related to other factors or unrelated to the medication.

The correct answer is choice D. Administer analgesics on a scheduled basis for the first 24 hr.

This is because the child is at risk for developing peritonitis, which can cause severe abdominal pain.

Scheduled analgesics can provide better pain relief than PRN analgesics.

Choice A is wrong because the child should not be given anything by mouth until bowel sounds return, which can take up to 24 hr after surgery.

Giving clear liquids too soon can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distension.

Choice B is wrong because cromolyn nebulized solution is used to prevent asthma attacks, not to treat appendicitis.

There is no indication that the child has asthma or needs this medication.

Choice C is wrong because applying a warm compress to the operative site can increase inflammation and infection risk.

A cold compress can be used to reduce swelling and pain, but only if prescribed by the provider.