A nurse is reviewing admission prescriptions for a group of clients. Which of the following prescriptions should the nurse identify as complete?

• Tocolytic medication: Tocolytics are used to suppress preterm labor, which is not applicable for this postpartum client. There is no indication of uterine contractions needing suppression.
• Intravenous antibiotic: The client exhibits signs of postpartum endometritis—including fever, uterine tenderness, foul-smelling lochia, and a very high WBC count (33,000/mm³). These findings strongly support the need for IV antibiotics to treat the infection.
• Intrauterine tamponade balloon: This device is used for managing postpartum hemorrhage, which is not present in this case. The client’s lochia is moderate, not excessive, and her uterus is responding to massage.
• Kleihauer-Betke test: This test is used to detect fetal-to-maternal hemorrhage, particularly in Rh-negative mothers after trauma or potential placental separation. It is not relevant in the context of postpartum infection.
• Increase in daily fluid intake: The client is febrile and shows signs of systemic infection. Increased fluids support hydration, promote recovery, and help manage the effects of fever and infection, making this an appropriate supportive measure.

A. Calories. Significant increases in caloric intake are not necessary during the first trimester. Most women do not require additional calories until the second and third trimesters, when fetal growth accelerates.
B. Folate. Folate (or folic acid) is crucial during early pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester, to prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Women are advised to increase folate intake before conception and during early pregnancy.
C. Calcium. Calcium needs increase later in pregnancy when the fetus's bone development intensifies. While important throughout pregnancy, calcium is not the most critical nutrient to increase specifically in the first trimester.
D. Protein. Protein is essential for fetal growth, but increased protein needs become more important in the second and third trimesters when fetal tissue development peaks. Early pregnancy focuses more on folate supplementation for neural development.