A nurse on a postpartum unit is caring for a client.

Exhibits

Drag words from the choices below to fill in each blank in the following sentence.

The nurse should anticipate a provider's prescription for a(n)

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and

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.

Rationale for Correct Choices:

• Intravenous antibiotic: The client is exhibiting signs of postpartum endometritis, including fever, tachycardia, a boggy and tender uterus, and foul-smelling lochia. IV antibiotics are the standard treatment to rapidly address bacterial infection and prevent systemic complications.
• Increase in daily fluid intake: Adequate hydration supports the client’s recovery by improving perfusion to the uterus, aiding in the clearance of infection, and preventing dehydration, especially if the client is febrile or breastfeeding.

Rationale for Incorrect Choices:

• Intrauterine tamponade balloon: This intervention is used primarily for severe postpartum hemorrhage, which is not evident in this client. Vital signs and lochia amount do not indicate ongoing hemorrhage.
• Kleihauer-Betke test: This test identifies fetal-maternal hemorrhage, which is not relevant to postpartum infection management. The client’s presentation suggests infection rather than blood loss.
• Tocolytic medication: Tocolytics are used to suppress preterm labor, which is not a concern for a postpartum client. The client’s symptoms are consistent with infection rather than uterine contractions needing suppression.

Rationale:

A. Perform a sterile dressing change for a client who has an abdominal wound: LPNs can perform sterile procedures and wound care on stable clients, making this an appropriate delegated task.

B. Complete the Glasgow Coma Scale for a client who has an evolving stroke: Neurological assessments on unstable or acutely changing clients require RN judgment and should not be delegated to an LPN.

C. Perform an admission assessment for a client who is scheduled for surgery: Admission assessments require comprehensive data collection, interpretation, and nursing judgment, which fall under the RN scope of practice.

D. Complete discharge teaching for a client who has a new diagnosis of diabetes mellitus: Discharge teaching for a new condition involves complex education and evaluation of understanding, which are RN responsibilities.