A nurse is reinforcing teaching about home safety with a client who is postpartum. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Rationale:

A. Milk: Milk does not interfere with fecal occult blood testing and does not contain substances that cause false-positive results. It can be safely consumed prior to the test without affecting the accuracy of the results.

B. Whole wheat bread: Whole wheat bread is high in fiber, which is actually beneficial when preparing for a fecal occult blood test. It helps promote regular bowel movements but does not lead to false-positive results.

C. Red meat: Red meat contains heme, a form of animal blood, which can cause false-positive results on guaiac-based fecal occult blood tests. Avoiding red meat for at least 3 days prior to the test helps reduce the risk of inaccurate results.

D. Almonds: Almonds and other nuts do not contain components that interfere with fecal occult blood testing. They are not known to cause false-positive or false-negative results and are safe to consume before the test.

Rationale:

• Monitor fetal heart rate: Continuous monitoring is essential after epidural placement to detect changes in fetal status. Minimal variability and early decelerations could indicate emerging fetal distress. Early detection guides timely intervention.

• Assist with administration of ampicillin IV: The client is GBS positive and in active labor with ruptured membranes. IV antibiotics reduce the risk of neonatal infection. Prompt administration is key for prophylaxis.

• Request a prescription for ephedrine: Epidural anesthesia may cause maternal hypotension, which decreases placental perfusion. Ephedrine helps maintain blood pressure. This supports uteroplacental circulation and fetal oxygenation.

• Place the client in left lateral position: This improves uterine perfusion and helps relieve vena cava compression. It is especially important after epidural anesthesia. It also supports better fetal oxygenation during decelerations.

• Decrease the IV flow rate: IV fluids help counteract hypotension that may result from epidural use. Reducing the rate would worsen perfusion and blood pressure. This could compromise fetal oxygen delivery.