A nurse is providing prenatal teaching about iron to a client who follows a vegetarian diet. The nurse should recommend that the client consume which of the following foods to enhance the absorption of nonheme iron?

Rationale:

A. Place the oxygen tank away from curtains or drapes: Oxygen supports combustion, so tanks must be kept away from flammable materials such as curtains or drapes. This placement reduces fire risk and ensures safe home oxygen use.

B. Store the oxygen tank wrench in a locked cabinet: The tank wrench should remain attached to or easily accessible near the tank for emergency shut-off. Locking it away could delay quick responses during equipment malfunction or fire hazards.

C. Ensure that the client checks the gauge weekly: Oxygen tank levels should be checked daily to prevent running out unexpectedly. Waiting a week between checks increases the risk of the tank depleting before a refill is arranged.

D. Have the client store smaller tanks under his bed: Storing tanks under the bed poses a fire hazard due to limited ventilation and proximity to bedding. Oxygen tanks should be stored upright in a secure, well-ventilated area away from heat sources.

Rationale for Correct Choices:

• Intravenous antibiotic: The client shows multiple signs of endometritis: uterine tenderness, foul-smelling lochia, fever, tachycardia, and elevated WBC count. IV antibiotics are the first-line treatment for postpartum uterine infections, particularly after cesarean delivery with risk factors like prolonged rupture of membranes.
• Increase in daily fluid intake: Clients with infection and fever require increased hydration to support perfusion, manage elevated metabolic demands, and help clear the infection. Fever and poor bowel motility may also contribute to mild dehydration, making fluid support essential.

Rationale for Incorrect Choices:

• Intrauterine tamponade balloon: This is used to control postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony or trauma. Although the fundus was boggy, it firmed with massage, and there is no indication of active or excessive bleeding, making tamponade unnecessary.
• Kleihauer-Betke test: This test detects fetal blood in the maternal circulation and is used after trauma or suspected fetal-maternal hemorrhage, especially in Rh-negative mothers. It is not relevant to this postpartum infection scenario.
• Tocolytic medication: Tocolytics are used during pregnancy to suppress preterm labor by relaxing the uterus. In the postpartum period, they are not indicated and would be contraindicated in the presence of infection, as they can reduce uterine tone and worsen involution.