A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a new parent who is concerned about sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

The correct answer is choice D. The client has tenderness and warmth in their calf.

Choice A rationale:

The client's self-reported incisional pain level of 7 on a scale of 0 to 10 is important information to assess postoperative recovery, but it is not the priority finding to report among the choices. Pain management is crucial, but potential complications that could be more urgent should be addressed first.

Choice B rationale:

Increased nausea and chills are concerning postoperative findings, but they could be related to the body's response to surgery, anesthesia, or pain medications. While these symptoms should be monitored and managed, they are not as high-priority as potential complications involving the calf.

Choice C rationale:

An oral temperature of 38.5°C (101.3°F) indicates a fever and is also a concerning finding in the postoperative period. Infection could be a possible cause, and the provider should be informed. However, compared to tenderness and warmth in the calf, which could suggest deep vein thrombosis (DVT), the fever is of slightly lower priority.

Choice D rationale:

Tenderness and warmth in the calf are the priority findings to report. These symptoms raise concern about the possibility of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a serious complication after surgery. DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, commonly in the legs. If left untreated, it can lead to a pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening condition where the clot travels to the lungs. Immediate assessment and intervention are necessary to rule out or address this potentially critical complication.

The correct answer is choiced. "Describe your concerns about sleeping to me.".

Choice A rationale:

While offering frequent checks can provide some reassurance, it does not address the underlying fear the client is experiencing. It is more of a practical solution rather than a therapeutic one.

Choice B rationale:

Agreeing with the client’s fear without offering a solution or support can increase their anxiety. It is important to acknowledge their feelings but also to provide comfort and reassurance.

Choice C rationale:

Offering sleeping medication might help the client fall asleep, but it does not address the root cause of their fear. It is important to understand and address the client’s concerns directly.

Choice D rationale:

Asking the client to describe their concerns is a therapeutic approach that encourages them to express their fears.This allows the nurse to understand the client’s perspective and provide appropriate emotional support.