The nurse is continuing to care for the child.

Exhibits

Select the 3 priority actions that the nurse should take.

Rationale for Correct Findings:

• Temperature 38.2° C (100.8° F): Fever in a postpartum client may indicate infection such as endometritis, mastitis, or wound infection. Early detection is essential to prevent progression to sepsis, especially after cesarean birth and prolonged rupture of membranes.

• Heart rate 104/min: Tachycardia in the postpartum period may reflect infection, pain, or hypovolemia. Coupled with fever and leukocytosis, it indicates systemic inflammatory response requiring urgent evaluation.

• Client reports feeling unwell: Subjective complaints of malaise can be an early indicator of infection or postpartum complications. When combined with objective findings like fever and elevated WBC, it requires prompt follow-up.

• WBC count 33,000/mm³: Significantly elevated leukocytes indicate a severe inflammatory or infectious process. Immediate assessment and intervention are necessary to prevent progression to sepsis.

• Uterus firm at 1 cm above the umbilicus and tender to palpation; fundus boggy but firmed with massage: A boggy fundus and uterine tenderness can indicate uterine atony or early postpartum infection. These findings, especially with elevated temperature and WBC, require urgent monitoring and intervention.

• Moderate amount of dark brown, foul-smelling lochia: Foul-smelling lochia is abnormal and may signal endometritis, particularly after cesarean delivery and prolonged rupture of membranes. This requires prompt evaluation and potential initiation of antibiotics.

Rationale for Incorrect Findings:

• Breasts firm, heavy, and warm with moderate nipple discomfort while breastfeeding: These are expected findings related to milk engorgement. They are typical postpartum changes and can be managed with frequent breastfeeding or expressing milk.

• Surgical incision well approximated with slight edema, no redness or drainage: Slight edema at the incision site is normal post-cesarean. Absence of redness, warmth, or drainage indicates no infection requiring urgent intervention.

• BP 108/70 mm Hg: Blood pressure is within the acceptable range for a postpartum client and does not indicate immediate concern.

• Respiratory rate 18/min: This is within normal limits for an adult and does not require urgent intervention.

• SaO2 97% on room air: Oxygen saturation is within normal range and indicates adequate oxygenation, not requiring immediate follow-up.

• Hemoglobin 11.1 g/dL: This value is within normal postpartum limits, indicating no acute anemia or need for immediate intervention.

Rationale:
A. Elevate the affected forearm with pillows: Elevation helps reduce swelling and promotes venous return, which is critical in the immediate management of a fracture to prevent complications such as increased edema or impaired circulation.

B. Administer Ibuprofen 200 mg PO: The child reports pain at a level of 5, meeting the prescription threshold. Administering analgesia promptly helps manage discomfort and supports cooperation with further interventions, such as casting.

C. Place a nonadherent dressing on the right knee abrasion: While wound care is important, the abrasion is minor and not the most urgent concern. Prioritization focuses on the fractured limb and pain management.

D. Review cast care instructions with the child's parents: Education is important but is not the immediate priority before the cast is applied. It can be provided after the child is stabilized and pain is managed.

E. Explain the cast application procedure to the child: While preparing the child psychologically is important, immediate interventions to reduce pain and swelling take precedence over anticipatory teaching.

F. Apply ice packs to the fingers and along the right forearm: Ice helps reduce swelling and pain in the acute phase of the fracture. Applying ice in combination with elevation supports circulation and comfort while awaiting casting.