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

Exhibits

For each finding, click to specify if the finding is consistent with uterine atony or infection. Each finding may support more than 1 disease process or none at all. There must be at least 1 selection in every column. There does not need to be a selection in every row. (Note: Each column must have at least 1 response option selected)

Rationale:

A. "My home has running water and electricity": Access to utilities like water and electricity supports hygiene and food safety. This statement does not indicate a health risk and instead suggests a stable living environment.

B. “I wear a hat and long sleeves while I am working”: Wearing protective clothing helps reduce exposure to the sun, pesticides, and other environmental hazards, thereby promoting health and safety during outdoor labor.

C. “I am currently sharing my home with two roommates”: Sharing housing is common among migrant or seasonal workers. While crowding can pose a potential health risk, this specific scenario doesn’t indicate excessive crowding or direct danger.

D. “I eat vegetables directly from the field where I work”: Consuming unwashed produce from the field poses a significant risk for pesticide exposure and ingestion of harmful microbes. This practice is unsafe and could lead to acute or chronic health issues.

Rationale:

A. A client who reports a sudden onset of dizziness when sitting up: Although concerning, dizziness on position change may indicate orthostatic hypotension and is not immediately life-threatening. This client requires monitoring but is not the top priority based on airway or circulatory compromise.

B. A client who has new onset urticaria and angioedema: New urticaria and angioedema suggest a potential anaphylactic reaction, which can quickly progress to airway obstruction. This is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate intervention to secure the airway and administer epinephrine.

C. A client who has numerous rectal polyps and blood-tinged stools: This condition could indicate a colorectal condition such as polyposis or malignancy, but it is not acutely life-threatening. The client needs evaluation, but not before those with airway or circulatory risks.

D. A client who has a subluxation of the fifth digit on the left foot: A subluxation is a partial dislocation, which can be painful but does not involve vital organ systems. This musculoskeletal issue is stable and can be addressed after more urgent needs are met.