A nurse is preparing to assist with applying a cast to a preschooler’s arm. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale
While it’s important to assess the level of parental anxiety related to the diagnosis, it’s not the immediate priority. The child’s physical health needs to be stabilized first.
Choice B rationale
This is the correct answer. Auscultating the rate and characteristics of the child’s heart sounds is the immediate priority. Acute rheumatic fever can lead to serious cardiac complications, so it’s crucial to monitor the child’s heart function closely.
Choice C rationale
While assessing the severity of joint pain is important in managing the child’s comfort, it’s not the immediate priority. The child’s heart function needs to be assessed first.
Choice D rationale
While assessing the client’s erythematous rash is part of the overall assessment of a child with acute rheumatic fever, it’s not the immediate priority. The child’s heart function needs to be assessed first.

Choice A rationale
Postpartum depression is characterized by severe mood swings, crying too much, difficulty bonding with the baby, withdrawing from family and friends, loss of appetite or eating much more than usual, inability to sleep or sleeping too much, overwhelming tiredness or loss of energy. While some of these symptoms overlap with the ones mentioned in the question, postpartum depression is usually more severe and lasts longer.
Choice B rationale
The letting-go phase is the final phase of maternal adjustment during which the mother moves forward from her existing role to take on a new one as a parent. This phase is characterized by reestablishment of relationships with others, resumption of sexual intimacy, resolution of physical symptoms, and attainment of a new normal. The symptoms mentioned in the question do not align with this phase.
Choice C rationale
Postpartum psychosis is a rare but serious mental health illness that can affect a woman soon after she has a baby. Symptoms can include hallucinations, delusions, a manic mood, a low mood, loss of inhibitions, restlessness, and severe confusion. The symptoms mentioned in the question do not align with this condition.
Choice D rationale
This is the correct answer. Postpartum fatigue is characterized by extreme tiredness that doesn’t get better with rest or sleep. This fatigue can make it difficult for the new mother to care for herself and her baby. The symptoms mentioned in the question - tearfulness, insomnia, lack of appetite, and a feeling of letdown - are all common symptoms of postpartum fatigue.