The nurse is assigning care of a client with prostatitis to a practical nurse (PN). Which instruction should the nurse provide the PN regarding this client?

Choice A: Centering attention on positive upbeat music is not a specific instruction for the nurse to include, as this is a general coping strategy that may or may not be helpful for this client. This is a distractor choice.

Choice B: Finding outlets for more social interaction is not a relevant instruction for the nurse to include, as this may not address the underlying causes of anxiety or stress for this client. This is another distractor choice.

Choice C: Practicing using muscle relaxation techniques is an appropriate instruction for the nurse to include, as this can help reduce physical tension and promote calmness and relaxation for this client. Therefore, this is the correct choice.

Choice D: Thinking about reasons the episodes occur is not a helpful instruction for the nurse to include, as this can increase rumination and anxiety for this client. This is another distractor choice.

Choice A: Moderate amount of foul-smelling lochia. This is the most indicative finding of a postpartum infection, as it suggests that the client has endometritis, which is an inflammation of the uterine lining. Endometritis is a common cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, and requires prompt antibiotic treatment.

Choice B: Blood pressure of 122/74 mm Hg. This is a normal blood pressure for a postpartum client, and does not indicate an infection. The reference range for blood pressure is 90/60 to 140/90 mm Hg.

Choice C: Oral temperature of 100.2°F (37.9°C.. This is a slightly elevated temperature for a postpartum client, but it does not necessarily indicate an infection. The reference range for oral temperature is 97.6 to 99.6°F (36.4 to 37.6°C.. A mild fever may occur in the first 24 hours after delivery due to dehydration or hormonal changes.

Choice D: White blood cell count of 19,000/mm³ (19 x 10⁹/L). This is a high white blood cell count for a postpartum client, but it does not indicate an infection. The reference range for white blood cell count is 5,000 to 10,000/mm³ (5 to 10 x 10⁹/L). A leukocytosis may occur in the first few days after delivery due to stress or tissue injury.