A nurse is preparing to administer levothyroxine 50 mcg to a client. Available is levothyroxine 0.025 mg/tablet. How many tablets should the nurse administer per dose? (Round to the nearest whole number. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

A. 0.45% saline. This is a hypotonic solution, which may be used later in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) management, but it is not appropriate for initial fluid resuscitation as it does not rapidly expand intravascular volume.
B. NPH insulin. NPH is an intermediate-acting insulin and is not used for continuous infusion. In DKA, rapid insulin correction is needed, typically with a short-acting insulin like regular insulin.
C. 0.9% normal saline. This isotonic fluid is the first-line choice for fluid replacement in clients with DKA. It helps restore circulating volume and correct dehydration quickly, which is a critical initial intervention.
D. Glargine insulin. Glargine is a long-acting insulin and not suitable for IV infusion. DKA requires the use of short-acting insulin (e.g., regular insulin) administered via IV infusion to correct hyperglycemia and acidosis.

A. Request a prescription for terbutaline from the provider. Terbutaline is a tocolytic used to stop preterm labor, not indicated in this postpartum scenario. The client is already on uterotonic therapy (methylergonovine), which is appropriate for postpartum uterine atony.
B. Obtain a culture specimen of the lochia from the client's perineal pad using a sterile swab is inappropriate because the pad is asceptic.

C. Inform the client she will need to formula feed her newborn until she has received antibiotics for 24 hr. This is incorrect. Breastfeeding is usually safe with most antibiotics, including clindamycin, and mothers with postpartum infections can typically continue breastfeeding unless advised otherwise by the provider.
D. Initiate contact precautions. Contact precautions are not necessary unless the client has an identified or suspected infection that is transmissible by direct contact (e.g., MRSA). Standard precautions are sufficient for routine postpartum care and suspected endometritis.
E. Monitor the height and tone of the client’s fundus. The fundus is tender and was initially boggy, indicating risk for uterine atony or subinvolution. Monitoring tone and height helps detect complications such as hemorrhage or infection.
F. Instruct the client to wash her hands before and after changing her perineal pad. Hand hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of infection to the perineal area or incision and to promote general postpartum hygiene.
G. Encourage the client to maintain a semi-Fowler’s position to enhance uterine drainage. This position helps promote lochia drainage, reduce uterine pooling, and may help with comfort and resolution of infection by improving uterine drainage.