The nurse has reviewed the Vital Signs at 1000.

Exhibits

Which of the following statements should the nurse include when reinforcing teaching to the client following the procedure? Select all that apply.

Rationale:

A. Arterial blood gases: While ABGs assess respiratory and metabolic balance, they are not routinely monitored for clients on furosemide. This test is more relevant for clients with severe respiratory or acid-base disorders, not as a direct indicator of diuretic therapy effects.

B. Blood urea nitrogen: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can affect kidney function by reducing circulating blood volume. Monitoring BUN helps assess renal perfusion and detect early signs of dehydration or nephrotoxicity associated with diuretic use.

C. Prothrombin time: PT evaluates coagulation status, typically in clients taking anticoagulants like warfarin. Furosemide does not affect clotting pathways, so PT monitoring is unnecessary in this context unless the client is on anticoagulants for another condition.

D. Thyroid stimulating hormone: TSH measures thyroid function but is not influenced by furosemide. There is no established link between furosemide and thyroid activity that would necessitate routine TSH monitoring for clients taking this medication.

Rationale:

A. Cleanse the perineum with 0.9% sodium chloride after bowel movements: While perineal hygiene is important postpartum, cleansing with normal saline is more routine care and does not specifically target endometritis management.

B. Obtain serial blood cultures: Endometritis is a uterine infection that can lead to bacteremia or sepsis. Serial blood cultures help identify the causative organism and guide antibiotic therapy.

C. Insert and maintain an indwelling urinary catheter: Indwelling catheters increase the risk of urinary tract infections and are not routinely used unless there is urinary retention or other specific indications.

D. Encourage the use of a sitz bath twice a day: Sitz baths promote perineal comfort and hygiene but do not directly treat uterine infections like endometritis. They may be recommended for perineal pain but are not primary treatment for endometritis.