A nurse is reinforcing instructions about car-seat use with the parents of a newborn who is preparing for discharge. Which of the following Instructions should the nurse include?

Rationale:

A. 2+ pitting edema of the lower extremities: Mild to moderate lower extremity edema is common in pregnancy and often seen in preeclampsia. While it should be monitored, it is not an immediate danger unless accompanied by other severe symptoms.

B. Increased hemoglobin: Hemoconcentration may occur in preeclampsia due to fluid shifting into interstitial spaces, but a mildly elevated hemoglobin alone does not warrant urgent intervention. It should be evaluated in the context of other lab and clinical findings.

C. Blood pressure 158/54 mm Hg: Although the systolic pressure is elevated, it does not meet the threshold of severe hypertension (>160 systolic or >110 diastolic). This finding warrants monitoring and documentation but is not the most urgent among the listed options.

D. Client report of upper right quadrant pain: Right upper quadrant or epigastric pain can signal liver involvement in severe preeclampsia, potentially indicating HELLP syndrome. This is a critical warning sign and requires immediate attention to prevent complications such as liver rupture or seizure.

Rationale:

A. Reinforce client teaching about walking with crutches: Teaching or reinforcing client education is a nursing responsibility and should not be delegated to assistive personnel. It requires assessment, evaluation, and knowledge of the client's learning needs and physical limitations.

B. Plan care for a client who has dysphagia: Care planning involves critical thinking and individualized assessment, which fall under the registered nurse’s scope of practice. Dysphagia management also requires knowledge of aspiration risk and appropriate interventions.

C. Transfer a client who is receiving radiation therapy to radiology: Transferring stable clients to departments such as radiology is within the scope of assistive personnel, as long as the client does not require specialized monitoring or assessment during the transfer.

D. Record urine output for a client who has a suprapubic catheter: Measuring and documenting urinary output is a routine task that assistive personnel can perform. The catheter type does not affect the ability to carry out this basic observation.

E. Measure vital signs for a client who requires contact precautions: Assistive personnel are trained to take vital signs and follow isolation protocols. Measuring vital signs under contact precautions is appropriate as long as proper PPE and hygiene practices are followed.