A nurse is preparing to administer dinoprostone gel to a client who is pregnant. The client asks the nurse about the purpose of the medication. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

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.

Choice A reason: Wear a nipple shield is incorrect, as this recommendation is not indicated for a client who has engorged breasts. A nipple shield is a thin, flexible device that covers the nipple and areola and can help with latch problems, flat or inverted nipples, or sore nipples. However, a nipple shield can also reduce milk transfer, stimulate less milk production, and cause nipple confusion or preference.

Choice B reason: Express milk from both breasts is correct, as this recommendation can help relieve engorgement and maintain milk production. Engorgement is a normal and expected phenomenon that occurs when the milk comes in, usually around 72 to 96 hr after birth. Engorgement can cause breast fullness, tenderness, warmth, and hardness. The nurse should advise the client to express milk from both breasts by breastfeeding frequently and effectively or by using a breast pump or hand expression.

Choice C reason: Obtain a prescription for an antibiotic is incorrect, as this recommendation is not indicated for a client who has engorged breasts. An antibiotic is used to treat mastitis, which is an infection and inflammation of the breast tissue that can cause redness, pain, swelling, warmth, and fever in the affected breast. The nurse should assess the client for signs of mastitis and report any abnormal findings to the provider.

Choice D reason: Apply a heating pad to her breasts is incorrect, as this recommendation can worsen engorgement and cause discomfort. A heating pad can increase blood flow and swelling in the breasts, which can impair milk flow and increase pain. The nurse should advise the client to apply cold compresses or cabbage leaves to her breasts to reduce inflammation and discomfort.