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A nurse is assisting with the care of a postpartum female client who delivered vaginally 8 hours ago in the maternity unit.

 

Exhibit 1: Vital Signs

 

0700:

• Temperature: 36.2°C (97.2°F)
• Heart rate: 80/min
• Respiratory rate: 16/min
• Blood pressure: 136/82 mm Hg

 

1100:

• Temperature: 37.2°C (99.0°F)
• Heart rate: 85/min
• Respiratory rate: 18/min
• Blood pressure: 136/86 mm Hg
• Pulse oximetry: 99%

 

Exhibit 2: Nurses' Notes

 

0700: The client's breasts were soft, and nipples were intact. The uterus was palpated as firm, midline, and at the level of the umbilicus. There was a moderate amount of lochia rubra. The episiotomy site was well approximated with mild edema and ecchymosis. The client reported pain as 2 on a scale of 0 to 10. She was able to void spontaneously, with no bladder distention. Deep tendon reflexes were 1+. Peripheral edema was 2+ in bilateral lower extremities.

 

1100: The client's breasts remained soft, and nipples were intact. The uterus was palpated as soft with lateral deviation and 1 cm above the umbilicus. There was a large amount of lochia rubra. The episiotomy site was well approximated with mild edema and ecchymosis. The client reported pain as 3 on a scale of 0 to 10. Deep tendon reflexes were 1+. Peripheral edema was 2+ in bilateral lower extremities.

 

Querry

 

Select the 3 findings that require immediate follow-up.

Choice A rationale:

Deep tendon reflexes of 1+ are considered normal for a postpartum client and do not typically require immediate follow-up. They indicate slight but definite muscle contraction with reinforcement.

Choice B rationale:

Lateral deviation of the uterus can indicate bladder distension, which can interfere with uterine contraction and increase the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. Immediate follow-up is necessary to address this issue.

Choice C rationale:

A blood pressure of 136/86 mm Hg is within the normal range for a postpartum client and does not require immediate follow-up unless there are other symptoms of preeclampsia or hypertension.

Choice D rationale:

A pain rating of 3 on a scale of 0 to 10 is mild and is expected in the postpartum period. It does not require immediate follow-up unless the pain is severe or unrelieved.

Choice E rationale:

Soft breasts in the immediate postpartum period are normal as milk production has not yet fully begun. This does not require immediate follow-up.

Choice F rationale:

A soft uterine tone indicates uterine atony, which can lead to postpartum hemorrhage. This requires immediate follow-up and intervention to ensure the uterus is contracting properly.

Choice G rationale:

A large amount of lochia rubra can be a sign of postpartum hemorrhage. Immediate follow-up is necessary to assess and manage bleeding.

Choice H rationale:

Peripheral edema of 2+ in the bilateral lower extremities is common in postpartum clients due to fluid shifts and does not typically require immediate follow-up unless accompanied by other concerning symptoms.