A nurse is teaching the parent of a newborn about car seat safety. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

Choice A rationale:

Instructing the client to wash their hands before breastfeeding helps prevent the transmission of infection to the breast and the baby.

Choice B rationale:

Teaching the client about proper latching-on techniques ensures effective breastfeeding, reduces the risk of nipple damage, and promotes comfort for both the client and the baby.

Choice C rationale:

Encouraging the client to alternate breastfeeding with formula feeding is not recommended for a client with mastitis. Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue often caused by bacterial infection, and continuing breastfeeding helps to clear the infection and maintain milk supply.

Choice D rationale:

Instructing the client to avoid using a breast pump is not necessary in this situation. Breastfeeding and pumping can continue to help drain the breast adequately, which is essential for resolving mastitis.

Choice E rationale:

Encouraging the client to allow their nipples to air dry after feedings helps promote healing and prevents further irritation to the nipples.

Choice C rationale:

Hypotension is a finding that indicates the client is experiencing decreased cardiac output. Excessive vaginal bleeding can lead to hypovolemia, reducing the volume of blood pumped by the heart and resulting in decreased cardiac output. The body responds to hypovolemia and decreased cardiac output by trying to maintain blood pressure, which leads to hypotension.

Choice A rationale:

Bradycardia is not a finding indicating decreased cardiac output in this scenario. While bradycardia (abnormally slow heart rate) can be associated with decreased cardiac output in certain situations, it is not the primary finding in a postpartum client experiencing excessive vaginal bleeding.

Choice B rationale:

A flushed face is not an indicator of decreased cardiac output. A flushed face may result from various factors such as fever or emotional stress, but it is not directly related to cardiac output.

Choice D rationale:

Polyuria (excessive urination) is not an indicator of decreased cardiac output. Polyuria may occur due to factors like diuresis or increased fluid intake but is not directly related to cardiac output in the context of excessive vaginal bleeding.