A nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching about postpartum activity restrictions to a client who had a cesarean birth 2 days ago. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Rationale:

A. "You should replace your diaphragm every 2 years": Diaphragms generally need to be replaced every 1 to 2 years, depending on the manufacturer’s guidelines and wear and tear. However, it is more important to be aware of refitting needs related to physiological changes.

B. "You should be refitted for your diaphragm if you have a 10 percent weight fluctuation.": Significant weight changes, usually around 10 to 15 percent, can alter pelvic anatomy and affect diaphragm fit, increasing the risk of contraceptive failure. Therefore, refitting is recommended after notable weight fluctuations.

C. "You should insert the diaphragm when your bladder is full.": The bladder should be empty when inserting the diaphragm to avoid discomfort and ensure proper placement over the cervix. A full bladder can cause displacement and increase the risk of failure.

D. "You should remove your diaphragm 4 hours after intercourse.": The diaphragm should be left in place for at least 6 hours after intercourse to ensure adequate sperm immobilization and contraceptive effectiveness. Removing it too early may increase the risk of pregnancy.

Rationale:

• Pneumonia: The child’s shallow respirations, diminished breath sounds at the bases, and ongoing refusal to use the incentive spirometer suggest decreased lung expansion and poor airway clearance. These are classic risk factors for postoperative pneumonia, especially in pediatric clients who are reluctant to engage in deep breathing exercises.
• Peritonitis: Peritonitis would be indicated by signs such as a rigid abdomen, rebound tenderness, or marked fever. The client has mild abdominal tenderness but not the severity or systemic signs expected with peritonitis.
• Wound infection: There are no signs of wound infection. The surgical dressing is consistently described as dry and intact with no redness, drainage, or swelling, which are typical indicators of infection.
• Temperature: The child's temperature is slightly elevated but remains within the low-grade range and does not independently indicate a serious complication. It’s not the most significant factor in this case.
• Bowel sounds: Hypoactive bowel sounds are expected after abdominal surgery and do not directly point to a respiratory complication. They are improving postoperatively and are not a primary concern for pneumonia.
• Breathing effort: The child’s consistently shallow respirations and diminished breath sounds show a risk for poor ventilation. These are warning signs for the development of postoperative pneumonia.
• Abdominal tenderness: Mild to moderate tenderness is expected 1 day after abdominal surgery and shows improvement over time. It is not strongly suggestive of a new or worsening condition like pneumonia.
• Refusal to use incentive spirometer: Using the incentive spirometer encourages deep breathing and lung expansion. Refusing it increases the risk of atelectasis and subsequent pneumonia, especially in pediatric clients with shallow breathing patterns.
• Surgical dressing: The dressing is consistently described as dry and intact with no signs of infection or complication. It does not point to any current or developing risk.