The nurse is assessing a first day postpartum client. Which finding is most indicative of a postpartum infection?

White Blood Cell (WBC. Reference Range: 5000-10,000/mm^3 (5-10 x 10^9/L)

Choice A: Creatinine is not a relevant laboratory test for the nurse to monitor, as this reflects renal function and is not affected by naproxen or arthritis. This is a distractor choice.

Choice B: Serum calcium is not a pertinent laboratory test for the nurse to monitor, as this indicates bone metabolism and is not related to naproxen or arthritis. This is another distractor choice.

Choice C: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate is not an important laboratory test for the nurse to monitor, as this measures inflammation and is not influenced by naproxen or stomach pain. This is another distractor choice.

Choice D: Hemoglobin is an essential laboratory test for the nurse to monitor, as this shows blood oxygen-carrying capacity and can be reduced by naproxen-induced gastrointestinal bleeding, which can cause stomach pain, weakness, and fatigue. Therefore, this is the correct choice.

Choice A reason: Reminding the UAP to apply a fitted respirator mask before entering the client's room is not a necessary action for the nurse to take. A respirator mask is a type of personal protective equipment (PPE. that filters out airborne particles and droplets that may contain infectious agents. A respirator mask is required for clients who have or are suspected of having airborne diseases, such as tuberculosis, measles, or chickenpox. Influenza is a respiratory disease that is transmitted by droplet contact, not by airborne contact.

Choice B reason: Instructing the UAP to notify the nurse of any changes in the client's respiratory status is not a specific action for the nurse to take. Respiratory status is an assessment of the client's breathing pattern, rate, depth, effort, and oxygen saturation. Respiratory status can be affected by various factors, such as infection, inflammation, obstruction, or injury. The nurse should monitor the client's respiratory status regularly and teach the UAP to report any signs or symptoms of respiratory distress, such as dyspnea, cyanosis, wheezes, or cough.

Choice D reason: Assigning the UAP to provide care for another client and assuming full care of the client is not a feasible action for the nurse to take. The nurse should delegate tasks according to the scope of practice, competency, and availability of staff. The nurse should not reassign staff without a valid reason or without consulting with other team members. The nurse should also not assume full care of a client unless it is necessary or appropriate. The nurse should supervise and evaluate the UAP's performance and provide feedback and guidance.