When changing the client's dressing for a vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) wound therapy system, the nurse observes foul, purulent drainage.
Which intervention(s) should the nurse implement? Select all that apply.

Choice A rationale: Hemoglobin of 9.3 g/dL indicates that the client has anemia, likely due to blood loss from the injury. This low hemoglobin level suggests significant bleeding, which needs to be addressed to ensure adequate oxygen delivery to tissues during surgery.

Choice B rationale: Prothrombin time of 11.5 seconds is within the normal range and does not indicate a critical issue that needs to be addressed before surgery. It suggests that the client's blood clotting mechanism is functioning properly.

Choice C rationale: Blood pressure of 90/48 mm Hg indicates hypotension, which is a sign of shock or significant blood loss. It is critical to stabilize the client's blood pressure to ensure adequate perfusion to vital organs during surgery.

Choice D rationale: Heart rate of 110 beats/minute is elevated, which may be a response to pain, anxiety, or hypovolemia. While it is important to monitor, it is not as critical as addressing the hypotension and anemia before surgery.

Choice E rationale: Abdominal distention indicates potential internal bleeding or injury to abdominal organs. This needs to be addressed urgently, as it can lead to further complications and affect the outcome of the surgery.

Choice A rationale

The scenario indicates that the client's contractions are increasing in frequency and intensity, and she reports significant pain, prompting a request for an epidural. The cervical exam shows she is 5 cm dilated and 90% effaced, with the baby at 0 station, which is typical for the active phase of labor. This is the appropriate time for an epidural, as pain management is often needed when contractions become more intense and dilation progresses. Clear amniotic fluid after artificial rupture of membranes also suggests no immediate complications.

Choice B rationale

Immediate cesarean section is generally reserved for situations of fetal distress or other obstetric emergencies. There is no mention of fetal heart rate abnormalities or other signs of distress in the scenario. While MS can complicate pregnancy, it does not automatically necessitate a cesarean section without specific indications. The decision for cesarean should be based on maternal or fetal indications not present in this case.

Choice C rationale

The instruction to start pushing is only appropriate during the second stage of labor when the cervix is fully dilated (10 cm). The client is 5 cm dilated, indicating she is still in the active phase of the first stage of labor. Encouraging pushing at this stage would be premature and could cause unnecessary exhaustion and potential harm to the cervix and fetus. Pushing is typically reserved for the final stage when the baby's head is crowning.

Choice D rationale

Administering an epidural and experiencing immediate pain relief aligns with the standard protocol for labor analgesia when requested by the client. Epidural anesthesia is a common and effective method for pain management during labor. This option respects the client's expressed need for pain relief and involves the healthcare provider in safely administering the epidural. Immediate relief from pain can help the client focus on labor progression and reduce stress.